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HISTORY 



THE EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CONN. VOLUNTEERS 



THE WAR FOR THE UNION 



CHAPLAIN WM. C. WALKER. 




NORWICH, CONN.: 
PUBLISH ED BY THE COMMITTEE. 



PRINTED BV GORDON WILCOX, 






^UE CoinmiltiY 'vho /utvf had c/mixe of (lie a'liipiUlion of llio /lisloiy of lit,- \%th 
Keginuul, L'oiitieclicul Volunteers, apologizing for seeiiibi'; unnecessary delay at/ending 
its pulilieation, deem it only just to ourselves to explain that the amount of lahor and the 
Jiffieullies involved in such an undertaking were greatly underestimated by them. The 
task of gathering the material, histoiical data, personal incidents, etc., and bringing it 
into proper shape was begun early iu 1S84, and it was expected that the zvlume would be 
in print in .August of the same year : but as the wori progressed unforeseen obstacles mul- 
tiplied at almost eveiy stage. Frcjuently it has been perplexing to discover the truth 
among conflicting statements, and to correct inaccuracies in names, dates, etc., while in a 
ven' great measure the history has been delayed by procrastination en the part of contrib- 
utors. 

In conclusion, we desire to thank the members and friends of the Regiment for their 
coiiperation in perfecting this Memorial ; for their patience displayed in awaiting its com- 
pletion, and for the confidence they have reposed in the Committe, — a confidence that we 

trust was not misplaced. 

11: C. iV.ALKER. 1 

//. M. DCRI-EY, I 

CEO. C. SETCHEL. \ Committee. 

JAJUES MCA'EE, I 

irM. CARUT//ER.S, J 



PREFACE 



The war I'or tlu' Union developeil as noble a band of patiiols as the world Las 
ever seen; men who counU'd not their lives dear in the cause of their country's 
honor and safety. Connecticut contributed lier full sliare of soldiers, and both 
they and ttieir Slate may accept as strictly true and just the complimentary dec- 
laration by Maj. (tell. Hunter: "I have seen none belter or braver soldiers in the 
field." 

The Kiifhteenth ( 'oiiMccticiit X'oliinteeis take a high rank on the "roll ot 
honor," its recor(] haviii<f been one in which its veterans may ever cherisli a laud- 
able pride, and of which none of their sons need ever be a>haiued. Gen. Milroy, 
under whom this regiment fougiit its first battle at Winchester, Va., said in an 
address to them a few months later: "Boys, I have seen you stand where brave 
men only could stand." Again, after the battle of Piedmont, where our arms 
obtained a glorious victory. Gen. Sullivan recognized their achievements in the 
flattering comment: "Hoys, your valor has saved the day." 

Surgeon ('. E. (ioldsborough, of the Fifth Maryland Regiment, who witnessed 
the l)attle at VViiu^hester, writes: "I always admired the gallantry of the Eight- 
eenth Connecticut N'oluuteers in that their first fight. They stood like veteran.s. 
Brave men weie they." 

It is to transmit to posterity this glorious record of lieroic services freely 
given to their country, that these pages have been urilten. As early as July, 
1808, while the events oi the war were still fresh in remembrance, the author be- 
gan to collect material from a variety of sources, supplementary to his own diary 
and memory, with the view of compiling as complete a history as possible of his 
regiment, A series of sketches |)repaifd t)y himself were contributed to the 
Soldier's llecitrd and continued in that publication tor nearly four years, thus 
giving ample time for any criticisms and additions that might be suggested by 
others as necessary lor the |)erfection of the work in the hands of a future 
historian. The author had no inlenlion at the lime of having these random 
articles published in book form; his only jjurpose being to furnish material for a 
history to be written by an abler hand. For several years the matter of publica- 
tion had been discussed at the various reunions, until finally a committee was 
appointed, as noted elsewhere, to take measures for the attainment of this object. 



After due consideration it was decided to accept as the substance of the pro- 
posed work the author's narrative as originally published; but revised and 
corrected as the facts demanded. Necessarily the work has progressed slowly, 
as it has been done with the utmost care, and great credit is due the committee 
for their patient toil and perseverance to make the history as complete as possible 
as to facts, names and dates. This task has been a laborious one, attended with 
many and even with some unexpected difficulties, as it was found that even the 
adjutant general's reports were not wholly reliable, and thus much labor and 
investigation was required to secure accuracy of statement. After all, we fear 
that the work is far from perfect; mistakes will undoubtedly appear. If, however, 
it is found that some names are omitted of which honorable mentioned shovdd 
have been made, or some prominent fact withheld that was especially creditable 
to those interested and deserving, no one will more deeply regret such a defect 
than the committee themselves. To have noted all the praise-worthy acts done 
by this regiment, individually and collectively, would have been an impossibility. 
"With charity for all and malice toward none," the work is now submitted 
to the favorable regards of worthy comrades who served and suffered in a just 
and holy cause. 

In order that this narrative might be as attractive and readable as possible, 
the assistance of a pi-actical editor was secured in Mr. John F. Rathbone, 
who has carefully perused every page and given much time to the perfection 
and completion of this regimental story. Many thanks are due this gentleman 
for his very faithful and acceptable services. In order to siutablj' embellish 
the work an eftbrt has been made to obtain a photograph of each officer, and 
it is a mutter of sincere regret that this was impossible. Those which have been 
obtained are believed to be fair likenesses of the originals, either in the past or at 
present. Would that the face of each one of the noble men wiio fought in the 
ranks could ho ihus preserved as well. 

"Brave boys were they 
Their country's cause defending." 

In conclusion, if this memorial shall in any way tend to perpetuate in remem- 
brance the brave deeds of the Eighteenth Regiment, to add lustre to Individ- 
ual a<:hievement, or stimulate by their example the fire of patriotism in the 
hearts of those who may hereafter turn its pages, the result will amply fulfill the 
expectation and purpose of the Author. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Organization of the Regiment i 

Stirring scenes; Patriotic feeling in Norwich; Mass meeting; Organization 
of the regiment; Camp Aiken. 

^ CHAPTER H. 

The Departure 24 

Departure of the Eighteenth for the South; Affecting incidents at the leave- 
taking; Arrival in New York City; At Fort McHenry, Md.; Division of the 
regiment; Skirmishes and forays. 

CHAPTER III. 

March to the Front — Battle of Winchester 90 

In the Shenandoah Valley; Picturesque scenery at Harper's Ferry; At Win- 
chester, Va.; Under Milroy; Advance of Lee's army halted; Milroy proposes to 
fight him, and makes it red hot; The Stonewall Brigade repulsed; Severe fight- 
ing: Desperate charge of Companies H and F; prisoners captured; Caruthers 
severely wounded. 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Battle on Monday, and Capture .114 

The Eighteenth, and Fifth Maryland try to cut their way out; Three desecrate 
charges with great loss; Death of Capt. Porter; Escape of Milroy and staff; The 
surrender after three days' hard fighting; Gen. Walker returns Col. Ely's 
sword; The journey to Richmond; Escape of Maj. Peale and a detachment. 

CHAPTER V. 

On Belle Island 131 

Prisoners of war at Belle Island; Scanty fare; Three hundred men transferred 
to Libby; Two squads paroled. 



CHAPTER Vi. 

The Escape from Winchester I42 

Experiences of the detachment that escaped at Winchester; Terrible suffering 
in the mountains; Evading the rebels; The fugitives reach the Union lines. 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Officers at I.ibbv 161 

Libby Prison; A starvation bill of fare; The famous "tunnel;" Col. Ely es- 
capes, but is captured again; Humorous, ludicrous and pathetic incidents in pris- 
on-life; Camp parole. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Regiment Reunited 173 

The regiment reunited at Martinsburg; Routine duty; The sutler receives a 
scare; Thanksgiving Day m camp; Tidings from Libby; A "revival" at Martins- 
burg. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Going Home to Vo 1 e 198 

Going home to vote; 'Hurrah for (Governor Buckingham!" The journey North 
and return; On to Richmond. 

CHAPTER X. 

On to RiCHMONii 212 

Six thousand men under Sigel; 'The advance up the valley; 'The old battle-field 
at Winchester; The march to Strasburg; Advance of the regiment with a battery 
to Edinburg; Forced march to Newmaiket; No breakfast; Rain; Mud knee 
deep; The battle; Warmly engaged with the enemy; Death of Capt. Spaulding; 
somebody blunders; Retreat to Cedar Creek. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Hunter's Raid — Battle of Piedmont 227 

Gen. Hunter takes command; The advance to Newmarket; The old battle- 
field; Visit ihe wounded; Serenaded by band of 'Thirty-Fourth M.nssachusetls 
Regiment; Leave Newmarket; Heavy skirmishing at Harrisonburg; Rebels fall 
back; Still on towards Port Republic; Rebel foraging party ca|)tured; A caval- 
ryman drowned: Battle at Piedmont; The Eighteenth on the right; Severe 
fighting; A brilliant charge; Death of Lieut, Maginnis and Adjutant Culver; 
Rebels defeated with great loss; After the battle; Col. Ely's report; The regi- 
ment cheered by Gen. Sullivan and staff and complimented by Gen. Hunter; 
Marching on; Staunton taken; Railroads torn up and depot and warehouses de- 
stroyed; Crook joins Hunter. 



CHAPTER XII. 

On to Lvnchburo 248 

Lexington occupied after severe skirmishing; Governor Letclicr's house and 
military institute burned: The home and grave of Stonewall Jackson; A rest; 
Hot weather and aweary march to Buchanan; The natural bridge: James River 
canal torn up and boats destroyed; Bridge burned; Mountain scenery; The 
peaks of Otter; Occupy Liberty: Bending rails of Tennessee and Lynchburg 
Railroad; Destniciion of bridges, etc.; Still in ])ursuit; Battle at New London; 
Rebels defeated with great Hss; Lynchburg reached; Rebels reinforced by 
Longstreet and Hill's corps; The battle; Col. Ely wounded; Hunter decides to 
get out under cover of night; The Eighteenth cover the retreat; No choice left 
but by way of Kanawha; Lack of ammunition to give battle. 

CHAPTER Xin. 

The Retreat from Lvnchrurg 261 

Rebel pursuit; .\ttack on our rear handsomely repulsed; The work of destruc- 
tion still goes on; Virginia and Tennessee Railroad bridges light up the country; 
reach Salem; The rebels capture and destroy a battery; Hard times in the moun- 
tains; .\l White Sulphur Springs: Suffering for want of food; Long and weary 
marches, and hot weather; Sad sights; Ragged and barefoot; Mules and horses 
die of starvation; Pluck and courage among the men; Meadow Bluffs; Dangers 
of the raid and famine passed ; Supply train insight; Great rejoicing; Hawk's 
Nest and Lover's Leap; Arrive at Gauley Bridge; The march to camp Piatt; On 
the Ohio River; Incidents of the trip to Parkersburg, Va.; Off for Cumberland, 
and at Back Creek; After Early; The march to Martinsburg and Harper's 
Ferry; Ford the Potomac at Berlin; Loudon Valley; On track of Early; Bat- 
tle of Snicker's Ford; A blunder; Still pursuing; The Sixth Corps leave us; Our 
second battle of Winchester, Va.; A gallant defense; Ten to one again; A stub- 
born retreat, and fatal effects of the heat; In Maryland; At Monocacy. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Gen. Sheridan in Cummanu 299 

The march to Harper's Ferry; Advance to Halllown and Berryville; Severe 
skirmishing with Early; He is driven to Cedar Ceeek; Contesting our advance; 
Hard fighting; Little Phil, turns back; Early follows; At Halltown; Crook 
orders the Third Brigade in; Rebels driven back with great loss and learn to 
keep at a distance; Lively times and continuous fighting; At Charlestown; Pay- 
day, but what shall we do with the money; Forward, Crook, is Sheridan's order; 
Battle at Berryville; Fierce artillery fire; A gallant charge with desperate fighting 
during which the rebels are driven back; Rainy night; In charge of wagon train: 



Grant uneasy; Permission to little Phil, to go in: Col. Ely returns home; The 
battle of Winchester, and Early routed with great Joss; The regiment at Charles- 
town used up; Ordered to Martinsburg; Going home to vote for Honest Abe; 
Return to the valley. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Winter Quarters at Halltown 318 

In winter quarters at Halltown; Strength of the regiment; Cold snaps and 
sleighing parties: Lively times on picket; Preparing for the spring campaign. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Closing Scenes — Departure for Home 338 

The surrender of Lee, and closing scenes in the Rebellion; Last camp at 
Martinsburg; Sergeant Staubly captures a priEe; Camp frolics; Departure of 
the regiment for the North; Reception at Hartford. 

CHAPTER XVn. 

Prison Life 362 

Record of prison life in the South, including special descriptions of the hor- 
rors of Anderson ville and Libby; Narratives by prisoners. 




J222^-£^^-C^ 



CHAPTER 1. 



ORGANIZATION (JF ITIK KKcHMENT. 



The late civil war has been called a continuation of the "irre- 
pressible conflict;" it was rather the tremendous issue ol that con- 
flict, the inevitable explosion of thr stnini tiiai half a centur\ of 
contention between irreconcilable |<nncipUs had engendered. 
The grand uprising ot the North was in delcnse ol the principle, \i- 
tal and fundamental, of this repid)lii-. that "all men are created free 
and equal, and alike entitled to lift-, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness." The antagonists of this imperishable democratic 
idea, as embodied in the preamble to the Constitution, finding 
themselves thwarted in every attempt in their scheme of aristo- 
cratic usurpation, and maddened by the apparent hitilit) of fur- 
ther effort in the line of political chicaner) antl peaceful coercion, 
determined on an appeal to the sword. 1 he long desperate strug- 
gle of the Rebellion, the most momentous civil war in history, was 
the result. More than two millions of men were suddenly called 
from their peaceful avocations to contend on the battle-field for 
and against the principle of constitutional liijerty and human 
progress. To ha\e lived in such a time, participated in such a 
conflict, and surxiveil, is to have ,ichie\'ed the most glorious re 
ward of a noble ambition. 

The soldiers of Connecticut, who rallied to the support of the 
national banner when it was assailed by the cohorts of oppres- 
sion and rebellion, may well feel proud of their record, and be 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



grateful that the\- shared tlie privilege of fighting to uphold and 
perpetuate the free institution of their nation, or adopted country; 
while the graves of fallen heroes, honored or unknown, shall re- 
ceive th<- ci-owns of flowers Ironi the hantls ol comrades who sur- 
vived them. And in the )cars to come, the memor\' of the patriot 
soldiers shall he twined with the flowers of loyal and tender recol- 
lection and provoke the tribute of grateful homage. 

In the great struggle tiur State had, in all, fifty-four thousand 
eight hundred and eighty-two men. The first and second calls 
of President Lincoln for troops were responded to by about four- 
teen thousand men; while the third call, in luly, 1862, brought 
forth more than se\en thousand three \ears' men, and about an 
equal number of volunteers for nine months. 

Of the former class was the Eighteenth Regiment of infantry. 
It was on July 3d that Governor Buckingham issued a call 
tor six regiments of three \ears' men. His proclamation was as 
follows: 

"Citizens oi Connecticut! \'ou are again called upon to rally 
to the support of the government. In the name of our com- 
mon country 1 call upon you to enroll )-our names for the im- 
mediate formation of six or more regiments of infantry to be used 
in suppressing the Rebellion. Our troops may be held in check, 
and our sons die on the battle-field, but the cause of civil liberty 
must be advanced; the supremacy of the government must be 
maintained. Prompt and decisive action will be economy in men 
and money. By our delay the safety of our armies, even of the 
nation, may be imperiled. The Rebellion, contending with the 
desperation of a hopeless and wicked cause, must be met with 
energy. Close your manufactories, and work-shops, turn aside 
from your farms and your business, leave for awhile your families 
and your houses; meet face to face the enemies of )our liberties. 
Haste, and you will rescue man)- noble men now strugglino 
against superior numbers, and speedily rescue the blessings of 
peace and good government." 



CONNECTICUT f VL CN TEERS. 



Pre\ious to this tinif the recruitini;- Inisiness had dra'>'>ecl 
hea\il_\-. The first and second uprisings of the people had nearly 
spent their power, and the results had disappointed i,reneral ex- 
pectation. The people had been waiting for some decisive vic- 
torious movement which should annihilate the armies of the Re- 
bellion, and brini; hostilities to a speedy and trium[)hant close. 
But the nation was now fast awakenin;^ to the' i^i^antic nature of 
the struggle. The soldiers' illusion that the war was to be 
merely a holiday jaunt had dissolved and the hard cruel lines of 
the stern reality stared forth. The question of enlisting had be- 
come a grave and portentous one to every citizen. The novelty 
of war was over. Moreover, the business prosjjects of the North 
were every day lirightening, work was plent\-, and there seemed 
to be no unemployed multitude from which to recruit our armies. 
The Twelfth and Thirteenth Regiments had been a long time form- 
ing and had just left for the front; while the P^ourteenth, which 
had been a month or more in camp, had but two or three hun- 
dred men in the ranks. Hence the late call for six additional 
regiments could not have come at a more unpropitious time. 
Hut something must be done to give a fresh impetus to the re- 
cruiting service. Regiments previousl_\' raised had been en- 
camped either in Hartford or New Haven. Goxernor Bucking- 
ham, who was fruitful in lawful expedients to arouse the lo)al 
people to meet the emergencies, ordered the new regiments to 
go into .camp at difterent points: the Fifteenth at New Haven, 
the Sixteenth at Hartford, the .Seventeenth at Bridgeport, and 
there was at once increased activit\- for an advance. On the 
28th day of July the Governor issued an order for the Eight- 
eenth Regiment to go into camp on the New London County 
F"air Grounds at Norwich. The order was an appeal to local 
patriotism, and fired the citizens with noble zeal to hasten to the 
rescue of their brothers in the South who were struggling against 
superior numbers. 

"Camp Aiken" was established and the tents pitcheil on Mon- 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



day. August 4th, and on the e\enini4 of the same day Capt. 
Hakes, (Compan)- H) with one hundred and ten men, marched 
thither, hein^; the first compan)' on the grounds. On Tuesday, 
Company .\. Capt. H. C. Davis, followed with one hundred and 
four men. .Six companies were in camp on .Saturday, August 
0th. three others followed on Monday, and the last one on Tues- 
day. Just nineteen days after Governor Ruckingham had issued 
his order more than one thousand men had been enlisted and 
were in camp read) for military drill and discipline. This state- 
ment seems almost incredible, and it reflects great credit upon 
the people of Eastern Connecticut. New London and Wind- 
ham Counties were thoroughly aroused. The greatest e.xcite- 
ment and enthusiasm everywhere prevailed. Public meetings, 
to encourage enlistment, were held in all the principal towns and 
villages, and the cry rang throughout the countrv side: "Brave 
men to the front! Let us rescue our brethren and save our im- 
periled liberties! The country needs the services of every able- 
bodied citizen. Let no ordinary excuse detain you. Nothing 
but the certificate of the examining surgeon should exempt any 
man from the duties of patriotism." Ihis stirring patriotic ap- 
peal kindled intense excitement among all classes everywhere. 
.At no time since .Sumter was firetl on had the people become 
so enthusiastic in filling up the national army, fathers and sons 
hastened to meet the fresh demand for soldiers. The outburst 
of popular feeling wouUl be a record for future generations to 
read with deepest interest and admiration could the name of 
every hero be given, and his patriotic utterance be recorded. It 
was astonishing how speedil) the different companies obtained 
their full quota of men, and with what enthusiasm they marched 
into camp by companies and in squads. 

The historian has not far to search in assigning a sufficient 
reason for the great popular demonstration we have recorded. 
It may be found in the |>eople's ardent love tor their country, 
and high appreciation of those civil, educational and religious 



CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



principles bequeathed to them by their patriotic ancestors. It 
was sorrowfully evident to them that the success cf the Rebellion 
would be the destruction of all they held ilear and valuable; and 
after the terrible disaster of Bull Run a prominent citizen of 
Eastern Connecticut was heard to say: "If our government is 
crushed by this Rebellion, let me be buried beneath its ruins." 
And his expression seemed to embody the universal sentiment 
that inspired the people a year later when the government was 
again in imminent peril by the advance of a desperate and malig- 
nant foe. 

With a single voice the people cried: " Let us rally round our 
standard bearer! Our country's honor must be maintained, and 
our tlag. which has been trampled in the dust, must wave again 
over all the land, or let us perish in the attempt." 

It was such noble -sentiment as this that inspired parents to 
give their sons, and wives their husbands to the perils and hard- 
ships of war. This patriotic feeling took the form at all public 
gatherings of earnest appeals for the encouragement and active 
personal promotion of enlistment. Thus was it strikingly mani- 
fested at a mass meeting held on l<"ranklin S<]uare, Norwich, at 
which Hon. John T. Wait presided. The crowd at the square 
was immense. Long before the time announced for opening the 
meeting thousands of citizens and strangers thronged the streets, 
filled the window seats, and crowded the roofs in the neighbor- 
hood. At a quarter past one the Greeneville Company, Capt. 
Henry C. Davis, headed by drum and life, marched into the 
square, followed shortly after by a delegation from Norwich 
Falls, also accompanied with martial music. Both were received 
with hearty cheers by the multitude. Mr. Wait, upon taking 
the chair, expressed his appreciation of the honor conferred upon 
him in electing him to preside over so vast an assemblage of the 
citizens of New London County convened to raise men to assist 
in preventing the disruption of the Union, and the destruction of 
the Constitution. The question is to be decided in the next six 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



months, and perhaps in the next sixty days, whether the Union 
shall be preserved and the supremacy of the laws maintained, or 
whether we shall ha\e in place of its blessings a reign of lawless- 
ness, anarchy and misrule. As OLir fathers pledged their lives, 
their fortunes and their sacred honor in defense of the solemn 
compact of our liberties, so let us now pledge our lives, devote 
our fortunes, and solemnly swear that we will give all our ener- 
gies and our means to the sup|)ression of the most causeless, 
unnatural and accursed Rebellion that ever threatened the exist-- 
ence of a nation. Fhe I'resitlcnl of the I'nited States has made 
his appeal to the country for three humlred thousand additional 
volunteers. In this connection Connecticut is most urgently 
invoked to do as she did in the l\e\ olutionarN struggle: pour 
forth her treasure and the blood of her sons to sustain the gov- 
ernment established eighty years ago. Our young men in the 
field call on us for assistance, that the war may be speedily con- 
cluded, and they allowed to return to their homes with the bless- 
ings of peace re-established over them. We can respond to this 
call, and if we do our duty, with our numerical superiority and 
great pecuniary resources we shall soon end the war. In con- 
cluding, he expressetl the hope that his native State would not be 
laggard in responding to the call of the country. Let us but do 
our duty and we shall soon see the glorious emblem of our na- 
tional freedom floating as freely in exery cit\' in the .South as it 
now does from every hill-lop in the North. 

The chairman then introduced Rev. Mr. Ouinn. The rever- 
end gentleman said that he gloried in that he was a citizen of 
American l)irth. lie was a Catholic clergyman and he gloried 
in that also. He referred briefly to the history of the American 
nation. For seventy years we had been rapidly increasing in 
wealth. Our commerce and agriculture had increased till our 
mounttiins and villages resounded with the hum of labor, and our 
ships whitened every sea. But Rebellion, foul, sanguinary Rebel- 
lion had raisetl its head, hatl endeavoretl to overthrow the gov- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



eminent and destroy that commerce and agriculture. There was 
not sufficient time to enter into a discussion ot the causes of the 
war. The principal cause appeared to be the inordinate pride of 
the South — the intense aristocratic feeling which pervaded that 
portion of the country. They would not live with us of the 
North for we were mud-sills and greasy mechanics. Xow, said 
the speaker, I would rather earn my bread ever\ da\- b\- a greasy 
machine than by the sweat of a greasy nigger. | .\pplau.se; 
"That's so." I But if they boast of their aristocracy, we are the 
representatives of the respectabilit)' of the country. We have 
the education, the free |)ress, and all the stays that make up the 
respectability of the nation. lUit to come to the- practical matter; 
why are we here to-da)? The object ot this meeting is to induce 
men to shoulder the musket. lie would make no jjersonal dis- 
tinction. The crisis demands every man, Irom the richest to the 
poorest. Let the millionaire lead oft", and the poor and strong 
will not be behind them. The speaker said that he was de- 
scended from one of the Limerick women who stootl in the 
breaches when the men fell back, and drcne the I>ritish invaders 
from the cit\'. The rel)els call us \ ankees. Well, the Hritish 
called us Yankees when we whipped them in the Revolution, antf 
swept them from the seas in iSij. Washington compelled 
Cornwallis to surremler his sword at \ orktown to the tune of 
"Yankee Doodle," and McClellan compelled them to run from 
the same place to the same tune. Now give us more men and 
we will compel them to flee from Richmond to the same strain. 
I Great applause. | 

At the conclusion o{ the gentleman's remarks the chairman 
called for three cheers for the man who had stood so nobl\- b)- 
our brave boys in the field. They were given with a will. 

The chairman then announced th.at fourteen _\()ung men trom 
Greene\ill(;, a part ol a compau) being raised there, now nLunber- 
ing about fifty, woukl sing a patriotic song written tor the occa- 
sion. The song was received with heart) applause. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Mr. Richard Busteed, a New York Democrat, was the next 
speaker. He said if he understood the meaning of the great 
gathering before him, it was that the time had come to lay aside 
party distinctions and differences in a joint effort to save our com- 
mon country. He did not understand that Governor Bucking- 
ham was here as a Repubhcan. nor was he here as a Democrat. 
We are here with one purpose, and resolved upon one end: to 
encourage loyalty and rebuke treason. He was from his infan- 
cy until the i ith day of May, 1861, a Democrat of the straightest 
sect, neither seeing or looking for any good outside of that party. 
On that da)' the shackles of party were torn from his limbs by 
the high priests themselves. The booming of treason's gun on 
that day awakened him from a political sleep to the life of an un- 
questioning patriotism. On that day, and until the war was 
concluded by the re-establishment of the national authority over 
every acre of our territory, he ceased to be known by any other 
designation than that of an Irish-born lo)'al y\merican citizen; 
bound not more by his interests than by his oath and his honor 
to defend his country from foreign and domestic foes. 

When this war is over he would discuss with the most jealous 
partisan every measure of government, past, present or to come, 
but now he would argue no question of mere expediency or poli- 
tics. We are to-day acting the grandest drama of real life. We 
stand upon the threshold of momentous events, and touch the 
garment of occurrences which are to shape the future condition 
of a continent. 

What our duty is in the premises is to preserve the Union to 
hand down with all its blessings to our posterity. When the 
great North, the wise East and the brave West get ready for in- 
glorious national oblivion the vain, supercilious and barbaric 
South may play the hand of empire alone; but till then her 
boasted chivalry will be made to march and keep step to the 
music of an undivided Union. He was not an Abolitionist, or a 
black Republican, but simply a patriot. If your home is on fire, 



CONN EC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



and you have a bucket of water handy to extinguish it, you would 
not be likely to disclaim using it because the color of the bucket 
was unpleasant' to you. It is our duty to use the negroes in 
ever)- possible way, and to put a musket into the hands of every 
one who can bear one. He was sick of this squeamishness about 
negroes. If the views he expressed were .Abolitionist, then 
George Washington was an .Abolitionist, for he did not refuse or 
neglect to use negro soldiers. If this was .Abolitionism he was 
willing to be counted in. The question is, and the only ques- 
tion: Will you subjugate the -South, or be subdued yourselves? 
This is the question we are trying to solve. He was tired of 
this everlasting talk about conservatism. He believed that in the 
influx of this conservation there was more danger to the country 
than in any other one thing. In closing, the speaker said that 
whatever else is uncertain, one thing is clear and settled beyond 
peradventure, the pen never will write down the destruction of 
this government. 

Upon the conclusion ot his remarks the crowd gave him nine 
enthusiastic cheers. 

.Senator Poster spoke ne.xt. He said he was cheered and en- 
couraged by the large audience. Before he left Washington the 
governrnxcnt was anticipating the necessity of a draft. But the 
large gathering of to-day speaks a different language. .At this 
time, speeches, processions and meetings alone will not save the 
country. It can only be saved when men will la)' aside their 
peaceful pursuits and shoulder the musket. We need earnest, 
mighty eftort in order to succeed. We must make sacrifices — 
parents must give up their sons, and wives must let their hus- 
bands go. We need onl\- one regiment from this congressional 
district to mak- up the quota of Connecticut. The way to fill it 
up is tor ever\- man to put down his foot and say, "I will go my- 
self." The government is afraid the people are asleep, and the 
people seem to think that the government is asleep. The best 
way for us to wake them up is by the tramp of our regiments 



lo EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



marchiiii^ into Washington. Tlie speaker closed with a spirited 
appeal to citizens to shoulder the musket. 

Gen. Daniel Tyler, and Hiram Willey. Esq., of New'London, 
were called uoon and spoke with stirring eloquence and power. 
At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman called for three 
cheers for the Connecticut boys who had gone to the war,'and 
they were heartily given. 

The enthusiasm of this meeting was nobly seconded 1)\- that 
of the surrounding towns, giving great impetus to the recruiting 
service, and zeal to <i\'vx\ l()\al heart throughout the army and 
the countr\-. Windham County was already awake, ami would 
not be outdone by her sister county. The deep interest and en- 
thusiasm of her people were appropriately expressed by J. O. A. 
.Stone, editor of the Transcript, i)ublished at I )anielsonville, as 
follows: "We can inform the people abroad that our county is 
awake to the demands of the countr)-, and our people are stirred 
with an enthusiasm that declares tb.at she will honor every de- 
mand upon her patriotism. The feeling is eager and strong 
among the sons of patriotic sires that we are ready for any sacrifice. 
The home of as pure a |)atriot ( Gen. I.)on ) as has fallen during 
the war, whose blood cries for vengeance, will have no conscripts 
from her borders. The (|ucstion now is, not who is going, but 
who IS willing to remain at home." 

The Willimantic journal, in the western part of the county, 
w-as not laggard or faint hearted either in arousing public enthu- 
siasm tor the work nftlie hour. Pulilic meetings were' held in 
every town in the coLinlw Tlie people Hocked to the recruiting 
offices and enrolled tht-mscKes in the army of the Lhiion. 

The patriots of New London and W indliam Counties, standing 
side by side for the government, \ird with each other in devo- 
tion to the publit- good. The rapid mustering of the I{ighteenth 
Reginieiit presented no\'el .uul interesting leatures. < )n 1 uesday, 
August I 2th, Compan)- H, Ca[>t. Thomas K. liates, led l)\' an en- 
thusiastic drum cor])s, entered camp amid enthusiastic cheers 



CONNECTICUT I 'OL[rNTEIiRS. 



and s^reat rejoicing' on the pari of the scjldiers and citizen spec- 
tators. The company was fresh Inmi I )aniflson\ ille, where they 
had been treated to a tine entrrtainnn-nt hy tlic hidies of that 
place before their dr|);u-turf. At this reception cxerxtlTino in 
the way of enjoNmcnt and cnmlcrt that aflection and deHcate 
taste could su^uest had been dtlcrcd the departing;- soldiers. 
After the bounteous su|ip(T short and cncourai^ing- addresses 
were made by the i\e\-. Mr. l)a\cnport, Re\-. Mr. I'almer, "Dan" 
Tyler, Es(]., iic:nr\ ilainniond and Mr. ( deason. At the con- 
clusion of the s])eeches. H. I -. C'unihdl, I'.S(|., prese-nted Capt. 
Bates with an eleoanl sword and belt. The conipan\- then hied 
out of the hall, and soon the cars moved ofl amid the cheers of 
the soldiers, the r(;spons(>s of the assembled c:rowd, and the wa\- 
ino- of handkerchiets by the ladii-s. 

•Similar demonstr.itions were made in nearly all the towns f)ut 
of which companies or lari^c s(|ii<uls marched for the cam|». Capt. 
Warner's company ((j) was attended In^m Woodstock and Put- 
nam by a large nundier ol cili/ens. I hrou^di the streets of Nor- 
wich they marched with martial music, and t)ther demonstrations, 
which elicited general enthusiasm, arriving in camp about i i 
o'clock A. M., Tuesday, August 14th. Another incident worthy of 
note was the arrival of the "Lebanon boys," with their friends, in 
single and double teams, who dro\c around the camp with cheers 
and songs, flags tl\ing and drums beating. I he scene presentetl 
was rather' that of a holidax frolic than of preparations for the 
grim realities of a war. Similar entertaining or e.\citing scenes 
were witnessed nearly ever\' ila\' with the advent of soldiers and 
citizens, making the |)eriod one ol vmparalleled interest in the 
history of New London County. Lvery day saw not only fresh 
accessions to the ranks, but evident impro\ement in discipline 
through the indefatigable exertions ot Col. lily and subordinate 
officers. The men were mustered and eepiipped with ilespatch, 
and in the most perfect manner possible. The (luartermaster's 
department was managed with admirable system and efhciency, 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



and each company was abundantly and promptly provided for up- 
on its arrival. 

The medical examination of the men indicated a remarkable 
deg^ree of health amony' them. Out of He\-tnty-five men compris- 
ing the Cireeneville Company, examined by Dr. Carleton, only 
five were rejected; four for pulmonary complaints, and one for 
deformity of the right hand. This record was a fair average for 
all the companies, and the comment was often heard from visit- 
ors, "What a gallant and healthy-looking regiment." • I he citi- 
zens of Norwich, and visitors from other towns, were proud of 
their soldiers, and frequently demonstrated their interest and 
admiration in bestowing substantial tokens of respect. Many 
pao'es of this record might be filled with interesting incidents 
in illustration of this popular regard, and it is a matter of re- 
gret that so few of them can be noted, for these exhibitions 
were the tokens of the sincere affection which was cherished 
for the defenders of the Hag. The ladies, especially, exhibited 
the deepest interest in the regiment, ami provided innumerable 
articles of convenience and comfort tor the members, such as 
only their own thoughtful wisdom could devise and prepare. 
The camp was visited every da)- by man\ of them, whose pres- 
ence and gifts animated the soldiers, and cheered them in their 
work of preparation. 

In several instances tlags were presented to companies and 
swords to the officers by the ladies. The (jreeneville Company 
received these appropriate emblems from the women of that 
place, which were duly acknowledged by Capt. Uavis, in behalf 
of the company, as follows: 

"The members of the Greeneville Compan)' desire, through me, 
to return to the ladies of Greeneville their sincere thanks for the 
beautiful, costly, and well-selected banner presented to them on 
Monday last. We know something of the cheerfulness attend- 
ing the contribution for its purchase. We shall bear it wherever 
any property of the company is borne, and treasure it, especially 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 13 

in the hour of danger and conflict, as a reminder of home, and as 
an incentive to deeds worthy of the homes we represent. 

"Lieut. Adam H. Lindsa\- and Lieut. James ! ). liiggins also 
return to the ladies of Greeneville their heart)- tlianks for tlie un- 
expected, but no less heartily appreciated, gift of sword and belts 
and sash for each. To the cause in which they jn^ril their hves, 
they will try to prove as true as tiieir unsheathed steel. 

•'1 desire to acknowledge to the citizens of (ireeneville the gift 
of a beautiful sword, with belt and sash. Receive ni)- fullest 
thanks, not only for this, but for all )()ur sympath\- for and co- 
operation with me, and the nobU- company you send from your 
village. I will tr\ and do m_\' duty. Now accord us \our 

prayers. 

Res[)ecttull\' \-ours, 

Cai.)t. llK^K^ C. I) axis. 
Company A, fCighteenth Regiment C. \'." 

On iMondaw August 21st, birst Lieut. John L. Woodward 
was presented with a sword, sash and belt in behalf of the Hook 
and Ladder Company of Norwich. 

Not lers pronijjt than were the ladies, in the administration of 
their kind offices, were the authorities in the fulfillment of their 
pecuniary obligations. ( )n Monday, August i8th, the selectmen 
of the town of .Norwich jiaid the town bount\- to the four compa- 
nies raised in .Nt)r\\ich and surrounding towns, and a few ela\s 
later the regiment receded tin- Lniled .States bounty cjf one 
hundred dollars per man. 

The command ot Cam|) Aiken hael devolvetl upon Brig. Gen. 
Daniel T)ler until the arrival of Col. William ( i. Lh', who had 
been promoted trom the Lieutenant Colonelc\- of the .Si.xth Con- 
necticut, then stationed at Port Rojal, S. C, to the Coloneic)- of 
the Eighteenth. Col. Ely arrixeil upon the grounds on the iith 
of August, and entered upon the work of perfecting the organi- 
zation with energy and promptitude. 

Col. Ely's military career commenced as a private in the First 



14 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Regiment of three months' volunteers. He was promoted as 
Captain and Commissary of the Connecticut Brigade, to fill a 
vacancy, and at the first liattle of I5ull Run acted as Aid-de- 
camp to C'^n. H. I). Keyes, and was recommencied for promo- 
tion for gallant services during the battle. In .September, 1861, 
he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel of the .Sixth Con- 
necticut Regiment, commanded it at the taking ot Port Royal, S. 
C, and subse([uently during the long illness of Col. Chatfield. 

Of his promotion the Providence Press spoke in the following 
flattering terms: "Capl. William C. Fdy, hirst Connecticut 
Regiment, has been promoted to the rank of Litnitenant Colonel 
of the Sixth C. \' . Lieut. Col. Ely's courage and capacity were 
tested at the battle ot Bull Run, where as volunteer aid to Gen. 
Keyes he was twenty-seven hours in the saddle, winning honora- 
ble mention in the official reports. He is, if we mistake not, a 
"Brown-bretl" box-, and we know he has many friends here who 
will rejoice at his success." 

With such a record, the promotion ol Lieut. Col. El)- to the 
command of the Eighteenth was a well merited honor, one that 
gave great satisfaction to his numerous friends in Norwich, and 
was hailed with delight by the members of the regiment, who 
were to share with him the jjrivations and dangers of the battle- 
field. 

The Norwich Bulletin commented upon his appointment as 
follows: " (he first thing neces.sary to make an efficient body of 
men is to have it well officered, and judging in this way, the 
Flighteenth ought to be a miracle of efficienc)-. No regiment 
that has rallied under the banner of old Connecticut has been led 
to the field by an\- nobler officer than Col. William C. VA\. 
During the short time the regiment has l)f'en organized he has 
endeared himself to every man of his command, both officers and 
privates. He won his commission by his gallantry in the field, 
but his connection with the lughteenth Regiment has shown that 
he conibines with that the rare quality ot organizing and making 
effective regiments of men." 




=T^^ 



Lieut. Col, MONROE IIICHOLS. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 15 



Ten days were occupied in mustering and preparations tor de- 
parture. In the meantime the greatest activit\- prevailed in 
camp. Ever\- new arrixal of companies or scjuads was greeted 
with enthusiastic cheers of welcome, and the heartiest and most 
hopeful feeling seemed to prevail throughout the encampment. 

( )n the 20th day of August, New London and Windham 
Counties, including a part of Tolland County, were represenletl 
in Camp Aik^:n hy a regiment of ten companies of s(jldiers, as 
intelligent and patriotic as any loyal State could hoast. 'I he 
reader will be interested to know what towns were re]>resented 
in this body of men, and how many each town sent lorth. < )tli(r 
statistics of varied and ecjual interest are added, which will show 
the excellent (juality of the men. The roster is as Inllows, the 
men being enlisted chiefly b\- the captains and lieutenants ot 
their respective companies: 

Company A, Capt. Henry C. I )avis: Norwich, 75; Hozrah, 6; 
Canterburv, q; Preston, 2; Griswold, i : .Scotland, i; Hampton i; 
Lebanon. 1; Lowell, Mass.. 1 ; W'aterford, i. Total qS. 

Compan)' 1!, Capt. Thomas K. Bates: Killingly, 55; Brooklyn, 
13; Putnam, 15; Woodstock. 12: I'lainfield, 6. Total 101. 

Companx- C, Capt. Isaac H. Bromley: Norwich. 40: Preston, 3; 
Lebanon, 33; Lisl;)on. 2; L\me. 4; (jrisvvold. 2; Berlin, i; New 
London, 1; Slonington, i; .Scotland, 1; dreenwich. 1; Tranklin 
I. Total 101. 

Company 1), Capt. Joseph Mathewson: Thompson. 63; Pom- 
fret, 17; Woodstock, cS; Hampton, 3; Eastford, 6. Killingly, 1; 
Union. 1; P>rookKn. 1. 'T(jtal 100. 

Compan) K. Capt. Isaac W. Hakes: Norwich, 30; Colchester. 
25; Salem, 13; Columbia. 7: Criswold, b; Lebanon, 4; .Sprague. 3 
Andover. 0; ISo/rah. 1; Coventry. 4: Scotland. 2. 'Total 101. 

Company T". Capt. Henr)- Peale: Norwich. 63; Griswold. 10 
Preston. 8; Mansfield. 3; T'ranklin, 3; Colchester, 2; Bozrah, 3 
Plainfield, 1; Scotland, 1; Led)'ard, 2; Canterbury, 2; Chaplin, 1 
Voltintown, 1; WaterfonI, 1. Total 101 



i6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Company G, Capt. George \\\ Warner: Woodstock. 46; Put- 
nam, 27. Pomfret, i; Killingly. 4; W^indham, <S; Sprague, 1; Nor- 
wich, 1: Colchester, i; Tolland, 2; Eastford, 2; Lebanon, i. 
Total 94. 

Company H, Capt. Charles D. Bowen: Windham, 57; Coven- 
try, 13: Chaplin. S; Folland. 13; Hampton, i; Thompson, 3: Wil- 
lington, 1; Ellington, 1: hranklin. 1. Total 98. 

Compan)' I. Capt. .Samuel K. Knapp, Norwich, 31; Preston, 7; 
l^yrne. 10; driswold, 9; .Sprague, 9; Plainfield, 5; Brooklyn, 1; 
Killingly, i; Plaintield, i; V\ illington, 2; Canterbury, 2 Coven- 
try, 1; Mansfield, 2; Tolland, 3. Total .Ss- 

Compan)- K, Capt. Ezra |. Mathewson: Killingly, 79; Plain- 
tield, 14; Brookl)n, 2. Pomfret, 2; .Sterling, 3. Total 100. 

Of the whole number, Windham County furnished 472, New 
London County, 436; Tolland County, 5(S; from otiier parts, 3; 
making in all 979 enlisted men. The town furnishing tiie largest 
number, tor one compan\ , was Killing]). \iz.: Company K. 79 
men. As far as known, of married men there were 4t;6, single 
men, 462; e.xcess of married men, 34: unarcounle<l lor, 21. 

Reuben P. Douglass, Company E. ol LHJcliester, was the old- 
est man, age 51 years. William A. \\ ea\er, |r., Company T), of 
Thompson, and .Samuel 11. N. Aver)-, .Scotland, Company E, 
were the youngest, being each onl\' ib )'ears ol age. 

01 the field and stafl, 4 were Irom New London Count)', 4 
from Windham Count)'. ( )f the line, as follows: Captains — 6 
were from New Lcjndon Count\ . ami 4 lroni Wiutlham County. 
Eirst lieutenants — 6 were from New London Count)', 3 Irom 
Windham County, and i from Tolland Count). .Second lieu- 
tenants- 7 were from New London Count)', and 3 Irom Wind- 
hani County. 

Total: (^1 officers, 23 were Irom New London Count)', 14 
from Wirnlham Count\', 1 from Tolland Coiuit)', and 1 troni 
Hartford Count). Thirteen were graduates of some literary in- 
stitution, and all \.\\v others were eentlemen of active business 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 17 



habits, and more than ordinary intelligence. The regiment was 
thus composed of able-bodied men in the prime of life, only 
about one-fifth of whom were under 'twenty years of age. Of 
this number, Company A had 18; Company B, 23; Company 
C, 27; Company D, 22; Company E, [5; Company F, 26; 
Company G, 20; Company H, 21; Company I, 21; Company 
K, only 7. 

It is a social phase, which future historians will study with in- 
terest and admiration, that the volunteer army which fought for 
the Union was composed of the intelligence and thrift, the "bone 
and sinew" of the country. In the Eighteenth Infantry alone 
the different vocations were represented as follows: farmers, 267; 
mechanics, 115; operatives, 6; carpenters, 45; manufacturers, 14; 
blacksmiths, 15; merchants, 11; clerks, 29: machinists, 11; 
weavers, 17; spinners, i 7; paper makers, 1 5; teachers, 10; college 
students, 8; masons, 7; painters, 5; day laborers, 28; teamsters, 
11; foundrymen, 3; moulders, 3; carders, 6; engineers, 3; car- 
riage trimmers, 3; shoe and boot makers, 17; tinsmiths, 3; wheel- 
wrights, 3; dressers, 3; plumbers, 2; pistol makers, 2; telegraph 
operators, 3; dentists, 2; bakers, 3; stone cutters, 3; printers, 5; 
harness makers, 3; lawyers, 3; carriage makers, 4; hostlers, 4; 
tailors, 6; book binders, 2; bleachers, 2; sailors, 5; soldiers, 2; 
butchers, 5; .druggists 3; editors, i; clergymen, i. Add to 
these fifteen other vocations r.-presented by one man each, and 
we have sixty-three in all. Of the 806 men whose vocation has 
been ascertained, over 500 were farmers, mechanics, blacksmiths, 
manufacturers, merchants, clerks and operatives, the best fibre 
of the State; and all the others were men of honorable trades 
and professions of whom any people might be proud. 

As the larger portion of the regiment was composed of married 
men, relinquishing varied business interests as well as their fam- 
ilies, the great social and domestic loss their absence occasioned 
the community may be readily imagined. In no country in the 
world, and perhaps in no part of our own, save in New England, 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



could such a variety of business interests have been represented 
as was the case in the Eighteenth. 

The character and appearance of the men were highly compli- 
mented by Governor Buckingham, and other distinguished vis- 
itors to Camp Aiken. 

The few days of preparation at Camp Aiken were not only in- 
vested with novelty, but were made even gay and jubilant by the 
buoyant spirits of the men. Coming mostly from the common walks 
of life, the soldiers became at once attached to each other by the 
ties of good-fellowship and mutual esteem that in many cases 
survived the disasters of battle, and even the return of peace. 

Before half the regiment had arrived in camp it had become 
evident that the Eighteenth was to be furnished with a great vari- 
ety, and a superior quality of vocal musical talent. Messrs. 
Kerr, Green and Taylor, of Company A, the Jordans and Wil- 
liams, of Company H, the Prays, of Company K.and others of 
no less local tame were the leaders in many a company or regi- 
mental concert which did much toward relieving the monotony of 
camp life, was a source of entertainment to visitors, and became 
later a real blessing to the regiment. 

On each pleasant evening, the "glee clubs" would go round 
the camp, or meet on the wooden steps, and sing sweet and stir- 
ring songs for the gratification of crowds of people both soldiers 
and civilians. Often, of course, such performances became a 
general "medley" rather than a systematic concert; the strain 
turning suddenly from the "grave to the gay," from the "sublime 
to the ridiculous," was the rule and not the exception; but such 
variety added to the enjoyment of the occasion. At one time 
the tones of "Home, Sweet Home" would fill every heart with 
tender memories and longings for the "loved ones at home," and 
tears would start from many an eye as the heavy thought ob- 
truded of the parting near at hand. Then the song would 
change to the ringing notes of "The Union forever," "Rally 
'round the Hag, boys," or the sparkling music of "Dixie;" tc be 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 19 



varied a moment later by the sad, sweet strains: "\\'e are ooiny- 
home to die no more," "There is rest tor the weary," "There'll 
be no more sorrow there," &c. 1 hen again it would rise with 
the spirit of the most devoted patriotism as hundreds of voices 
blended in the words: 

"Mv countr)', 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of libert)", 
Of thee 1 sini;^!" 

Next, perhaps, would tollow a ludicrous selection from 
"Mother Goose's Melodies." that set half the company shaking 
with laughter. 

Many will yet remember the "oratorical displajs" of "Taylor," 
of Company B, whose characteristic speeches used to provoke 
such storms of applause and deafening cheers from his comrades. 
Whenever he had spoken three cheers were given for the "ora- 
tor of the day;" and next for different officers of the regiment, 
for Go\ernor Buckingham, who had manifested such an interest 
in the regiment, for the Union army, the old Hag, and for Pres- 
ident Lincoln. It is needless to saj- that these were stirring- 
scenes which created light-heartedness among the men, helped to 
pass the time, promoted general acquaintance, and were indis- 
pensable in keeping up the spirits of the soldiers in the work 
before them. Sometimes dramatic entertainments were s-nven in 
the starlight on the "old wooden stei)s"on the grounds. 

Another source of amusement were the foot-races upon the 
Fair Grounds race-course, in which the competitors were numer- 
ous, spirited and persevering. Henry Tracy, of Company H, 
generally bore off the palm. It was certainly good exercise in 
perfecting the "double-ciuick," and furnished entertainment for a 
crowd of spectators. 

Who has forgotten the famous "hole in the wall.^ and who 
of the "lucky ones" will not smile as he recalls that fortunate 
place of egress which the camp guard were never over strict in 
guarding, and through which, as a consequence, the well-informed 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



were accustomed to pass out and in, visiting the city and having 
a good time generally when opportunity afforded. But alas! the 
trick was discovered. The boys were informed that it was un- 
soldierly to leave camp so unceremoniously, and of course they 
'sinned no more" — unless the temptation was too good to be re- 
jected. 

"Uncle Park Brown" enlisted in Company H as a fiddler. He 
was too old for a soldier — every one told him so — but he was 
very patriotic and wanted to do something for his country. 
Hence they let him put his name down, but with no idea that he 
would be accepted. Sometime afterward he was rejected; but 
while his case was pending he remained in his company; was 
very active, and pleased everybody with his queer ways. He 
slept in a tent with "Tom." (Everybody knows who "Tom" 
was.) Uncle Park had a fiddle, the delight of his heart, which 
he carefully preserved in a box which contained his money also. 
Every night it was placed under his head for safe keeping. 
"Uncle Park" had not an enemy in camp, yet in some way he 
conceived the idea that somebody intended to steal his money. 
Learning of his suspicions, some of the boys one night proposed 
to have some "fun." "Uncle" had retired as usual alter giving 
one of his musical entertainments with his famous fiddle. Not 
long after it occurred to him that some one was trying to raise 
the canvas near him, and presently a hand was thrust in, in the 
direction of his box. "Tom," he cried, "I told you so. Some 
one is trying to steal my money." "O no, Uncle Park,'' he con- 
tinued, "there is no one here bad enough for that! Lie down 
apain and go to sleep." The hand having vanished. Uncle Park 
became composed, as he thought for the night. Suddenly the 
hand was thrust in the direction of his box more violently than 
before. Uncle Park screamed out again, and instantly sprang 
to his feet greatly alarmed, yet determined on revenge. He 
seized a long knife which he kept for special purposes (perhaps 
for self-defense,) and rushed out into the darkness, followed by 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 21 



Tom and others. But the supposed thief, who was aware of the 
fighting qualities of Uncle Park, kept at a safe distance, while 
the old man brandished his knife, crying out, "Tom, there goes 
the poor devil; I'll fix him." I^ut the owner of the strange hand 
that had invaded the old darkey's tent was nowhere to be found 
that night. Next day Ihicle Park was told there was a man in 
the guard-house in whom he might recognize the "poor devil" of 
the previous night. "Yes, that is he," exclaimed Uncle, the mo- 
ment he saw him; and being assured that he would be punished 
for his crime, seemed satisfied that justice was being done, and 
thus ended what seemed to him a very serious matter. The 
boys, however, extracted much merriment from this incident for 
many a day afterward. 

Again, one day Col. Ely found a man in the camp dispensing 
to the soldiers "bullet-proof vests." To be "iron clad" when the 
bullets should Hy as thick as hail! what more could a soldier ask? 
But Col. Ely, who had often smelt powder in dangerous proxim- 
it)- to bullets, was incredulous of the statcMiit-nt made b)' the 
dispenser of the steel vests. He took one of tlie garments from 
the dealer, and setting it up as a target for his revolver put sev- 
eral holes through it. He then ordered the arrest of the vender, 
made him refund to each soldier the amount which he had re- 
ceived in exchange for the worthl(;ss armor, and gave him 
opportunity for reflection in the regimental guard-house. 

Simday, August 17th, was a memorable day in the history of 
the PLighteenth Regiment. After the usual camp duties of the 
morning, the regiment formed in line and marched to attend re- 
ligious services in the different churches. Arriving at the town 
they broke ranks and dispersed in squads in different directions 
as their special preferences inclined. Nearly every church was 
thronged with soldiers, and appropriate and touching references to 
the departure of the liighteenth were made by the pastors in their 
sermons, and earnest prayers offered for their preservation and 
success. The citizens were unusuallv tender and attentive in 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



their intercourse and all breathed a blessing upon the soldiers, 
wishing them well in their hazardous undertaking. One old 
woman, meeting a squad of the boys in the street, cried out, "Poor 
soldiers, God bless \ou," and with deep emotion she bade them 
good-by. It was a da}' of deep interest and solemnity to many 
a family in Norwich. \\'i\es trembled with emotion as they 
leaned on the arm of their husbands on their way to the church 
where they had worshipped so many times, and the thought that 
this might be their last service together filled their eyes with 
tears as they listened to the tender allusions to their final separa- 
tion. Mothers and fathers looked upon the manl) forms of 
soldier boys with tearful solicitude and yearning hearts. Oh! 
many were the tears and prayers of that last Sundaj- in Norwich. 
Hundreds of men who read these pages will recall the incidents 
of that hour with deep emotions of pain and pleasure. Of pain, 
because the vows and resolutions were so soon forgotten; of 
pleasure, because a train of influences was set in motion that 
tended to preserve them from evil in the trials and temptations 
of a demoralizing and vicious life. 

While the soldiers were at the city, a few men had been left in 
camp and their devotions were, perhaps, more sombre-colored 
even than those ot their absent comrades. Capt. Isaac W. 
Hakes, Jr., was officer of the day. The guards paced their lone- 
ly beats with gloomy hearts, and one of the men said afterwards, 
'T got along very well until that last Sunday and then I began to 
get down-hearted." \\'ell, the sun. went down at last, and with 
it sank the last season of domestic and social enjoyment with 
many of the Eighteenth Connecticut \'olunteers and the friends 
they loved. A light had disappeared from many a homestead; 
and was fated never to reappear. 

None of the members of the regiment will ever forget the 
varied scenes of the last day at Camp Aiken preceding their de- 
parture for the South. How man)- emotions were mingled 
with pleasure and pain! With some, alas! it was the last day 



CON NEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



on the soil of their native State; they exchanged affectionate 
greetings with loved ones for the last time, and bade a final fare- 
well to all they held dear and sacred in the land of their birth. 

Throughout the da\- the camp was thronged with friends of 
the soldiers, and loving hands assisted in packing knapsacks with 
tokens of affection as well as with little necessary articles, such 
as pin-cushions, needles, books, thread, scissors, etc. Hymn 
books and Bibles were not forgotten, nor were the pictures of 
loved ones at home. These precious reminders, placed in 
pocket-albums, single cases, or in lockets, were put in places 
easiest of access that the lonely soldier might often delight in 
them, and keep the love of home fresh in his heart. Who, bet- 
ter than a soldier, can estimate the value of a wife's or a sister's 
picture? Or where else than on the battle-field have been wit- 
nessed so many testimonials of the clinging affection in which 
such mementoes are held? It is related that a soldier was dying 
on the ground in the front of battle. He held in his hand a gold 
locket, and when some one attempted to release liis grasp, he 
opened his failing eyes and implored him by the memory of his 
mother and sister not to take it away. Said he, "It was her last 
gift. I promised her when I kissed her cheek at parting that I 
would always wear it near my heart in life or death." Several 
members of the Eighteenth, when on the famous Hunter's raid, 
placed in the hands of the writer their money, watches, and even 
their Biblf^s for safe keeping, but their pictures were retained to 
be worn nearest the heart. These were the last gifts of mothers, 
sisters, wives and lovers. ^ member of Company A, speaking 
of his losses at the battle of Winchester, said, "I lost everything, 
even my sweetheart's picture, but by some happy circumstance 
that was afterwards returned to me." The reader may imagine 
the pleasures its restoration gave him, and be pleased to know 
that after the war was over he was able to exchange it for the 
fair original. 



24 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER II. 



THK DKrARTUKE. 



The reginiLiU took its departure for the field on Friday, Au- 
gust 2 2d, being the first to leave the State, as it had been the 
last to go into camp under the call for the six regiments. The 
entire day was one of intense excitement, both in camp and 
throughout the surrounding towns. 

Early in the day an excursion train from Windham County 
had brought down large numbers of relatives and friends of the 
soldiers, who together with companies of citizens filed along the 
roads on a last visit to the camp-ground. 

Stages, omnibuses, lumber-wagons, trottinir buj^gies, vehicles 
of all descriptions filled the dusty thoroughfares, either going or 
returning during the whole day. At the camp the tents of the 
soldiers were filled with women, wives, relatives and friends of 
the soldiers who had come to enjoy again for a while each other's 
society, to bring little mementoes of home, little delicacies to 
sweeten camp fare, and render the change from the comforts of 
home to the discomforts of a soldier's life less abrupt and painful. 
During the whole afternoon the vast crowd swayed hither and 
thither over the ground, or stood in groups talking earnestly of 
the past and of the future; gravely surveying the busy scene, 
and taking a final farewell, in which the tearful eye and the earn- 
est hand-grasp betrayed the emotion that only those can feel 
who are parted by the grim scepter of war. 




Lieut. Col. HENRY PEALE. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 25 



At four o'clock the regiment was formed to receive its colors. 
His Excellency Governor Buckingham drove \\\w\-\ the field in a 
carriage occupied b)- a committee of ladies, bearing a magnifi- 
cent national tlag manufactured l)y Tiffany & Co., of New York, 
to be presented to the regiment in hehalt of the ladies of Nor- 
wich. The flatr was of heavv silk, with the name of the regiment 
and the stars embroidered upon it in silver, and a silver spear- 
head u|Jon the top of the staff. The State Bag was not yet 
completed, but was sent to the regiment after its arrival in Balti- 
more. In an elocpient address Governor ISuckingham presented 
the colors which, were received by Col. Ely in behalf of the regi- 
ment. At the close of these interesting ceremonies, the regiment, 
after marching about the camp, took its course for the city, pre- 
ceded by the Norwich Cornet Band, which had volunteered as 
escort, and flanked and followed by an immense concourse on 
foot and in carriages. The city had donned its holiday attire to 
receive the soldiers. The national colors floated from public and 
private buildings, and from the shipping in the river, and the 
windows and balconies on the line of march were filled with ladies 
anxious to wave an adieu and take a last look at the gallant 
Eighteenth. The regiment marched directly to the whart ot the 
Norwich & Worcester Railroad Company, where the steamer 
City of Boston was waiting to receive them. Here the crowd 
was immense, and the guard which was p::.ced at each end of 
the freight depot to keep back the multitude had no slight or 
welcome duty to perform. After the soldiers had passed on 
the vessel, friends and relatives filled the wharves and with tears 
in their eyes pleaded to be allowed to go on bo.ird to speak one 
parting word with husband, son or brother, but the guard was 
inexorable. I'inall)', at se\en o'clock, the engines started, the 
boat mt)ved slowly out into the stream, a loud cheer rose from 
its precious freight and an answering shout came trom the crowd 
on the wharves and river banks; a burst of music followed and 
the roar of cannon, and the Eighteenth Regiment had departed, 



EIGHTEE^tTH REGIMENT 



The people lingered and watched the receding boat for a long 
time, and when they finally turned away their hearts sent up a 
silent prayer for the preservation of the loved ones and their safe 
return. Many were the homes in New London and Windham 
Counties that night which sleep did not enter ! Many were the 
hearts filled with bitter loneliness and gloom The trip to New 
York was unenlivened by notable incident of any kind, but on 
the wharves next morning many of the privates and officers 
suffered at the hands of pick-pockets. It was rather galling to 
men who were about to peril their lives in the service of their 
country to be made the prey of the vermin of New York city; 
but after all, the incident had its ludicrous side, and momentary 
vexation vanished in a hearty laugh. Moreover, the adventure 
furnished occasion for the display of kindly feeling, the fortunate 
making up the losses of their comrades in so far as they were 
able to do so. 

The boat arrived in New York at about six o'clock Saturday 
morning, and at half-past nine the regiment left pier two for 
Rlizabethport whence it was transported by rail to Baltimore via. 
Harrisburg. The reason for forwarding troops by this extend- 
ed route can be accounted for only on the supposition that the 
other more direct roads were crowded to their utmost capacity, 
and could not take them so soon as desired. Sunday, July 24th, 
found the regiment in Baltimore after a long and wearisome 
ride. It was a pleasant change after the inaction of the rail 
road journey to march through the pleasant streets of the rebel 
city, "keeping step to the music of the Union," and the presence 
of the very men who a year before had failed in their attempt to 
annihilate the Sixth Regiment of Masr.achusetts Volunteers, 
added not a little and a peculiar interest to the occasion. 

The Eighteenth carried themselves bravely and decorously 
and were treated with perfect respect. Their quiet, manly bear- 
ing elicited commendation from all spectators; one remarking 
that "If all the soldiers appeared as well as the Eighteenth Con- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 27 



necticut there could be no cause of complaint." Althouorh the 
re^nment had not at that time received their muskets, it cer- 
tainly made a fine appearance on its march through the city to 
the Soldiers' Rest, where it remained until nearly night wait- 
ing" for orders. Col. Ely reported to Maj. Gen. Wool, 
commanding the middle department, and at once re- 
ceived orders that the regiment was to garrison Fort Mc- 
Henry in place of New York soldiers whose term of service 
had just expired. The assignment was a complete surprise as it 
was the general impression when the regiment left Connecticut 
that it would go to Washington to receive its arms, and thence 
be hurried to the front for active service. According to report 
this would have been the case but for the arrival in Baltimore of 
a train of soldiers one hour in advance of the Eighteenth, who 
were sent on to the front, while the latter were retained to till 
the vacancy just created as before stated. The arrant'cment, 
however, was not very satisfactory' to Col. El)-, for, althou"h his 
command were raw recruits, undisciplined, and wholly unfit for 
work on the front, still it was desirable that it should be put to 
field instead of garrison duty as the quickest way of preparing 
the men for the soldiers' calling, and preserving them from the 
vices and demoralization of inactive army life. 

At Fort McHenry the regiment came under the command of 
Brig. Gen. N. W. Morris, an old army officer, a strict disciplina- 
rian, and in every respect a soldier. Here the men received their 
muskets. 

Col. Ely hoped to develop at once the resources of his re<'i- 
ment in military science, for as yet they had not attempted 
battalion drill and had received but little instruction in compa- 
nies and squads. On the next day, August 25th, much to the 
disappointment of the officers, the regiment was di<vided, the 
right wing remaining on garrison duty in the fort, while the 
companies of the left wing were sent, under the command of 
iVIaj. Keech, to do guard duty on the railroad between Baltimore 
and Havre-de-Grace. 



28 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



A letter of the same date from the regular corres[jondent of 
the Bulletin, I. H. B., (familiarly called "Ike") soon after 
appeared in the columns of that paper, and is so full of interest 
and complete in detail that it is herewith inserted in full: 

"Fort McHenry, Baltimore, August 2c;th, 1862. 

"So here we are fixed for a resilience of 1 don't know how long. 
Hardly settled yet in our x\yi\\ quarters, but getting accustomed 
to them, and feeling at home here more and more every hour. 
Our journey from Camp Aiken was, under all circumstances, as 
pleasant, comfortable and agreeable as we could have expected. 
The men are all in excellent spirits, and do not seem to feel the 
rubbing off of the romance of the war and the breaking in to the 
rough and tough realities of the business hardly at all. They 
are as fine a set of men as ever trod shoe leather, and I believe 
1 divest myself of every feeling of partiality when I express the 
opinion that they will prove themselves, after a little instruction, 
equal to any regiment in the service. 

"Our passage to New York was not particularly note-worthy 
except that some ot us were unfortunate enough to lose our 
money. I was among the sufferers to the extent of my entire 
pile, and one or two of the men in the regiment lost wallets con- 
taining various amounts. 

"It was pleasant testimon)- to the community of feeling and 
generous sympathy of the officers of the Eighteenth that they 
came together and with one accord contributed from their own 
private purses to make good the losses of their associates. Had 
I been at all disposed to be doleful over my loss — and I confess 
I was somewhat so inclined — the many cordial expressions of 
sympathy from all would have dispelled the "blues." The grat- 
ification I could not help feeling at finding myself associated 
with so many true-hearted, generou.s men, and the further gratifi- 
cation ot finding in my own company a unanimous desire to 
make up my loss among themselves, which I, of course, declined, 
was sufficient compensation for any mere pecuniary loss. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 29 

"We arrived in New York al)()ut six o'clock A. M., and were 
landed at pier two, where we took boat for Elizabethport. Before 
leaving-, however, we were entertained with coffee and excellent 
beef soup, for which we were indebted to Col. |ohn Alni)'. the 
Connecticut .State Agent in New York city. At Elizabethport 
we took cars for Harrisburg, a tedious journey of I don't know 
how many miles, where we arrived at two P. M., on .Sunday. 

"Thence, without change of cars, we came to Baltimore, 
arriving here about noon. Here Col. Ely reported to 
Gen. Wool, and was ordered at once to Fort McHenr\-, 
to take the place of the Forty-Seventh New York mi- 
litia, whose term of service, for three months, had just ex- 
pired. While in Baltimore, and before starting on the march to 
the fort, we were most liberally entertained by the Union Relief 
Association, of Baltimore, who had provided a generous collation 
for the regiment. Our boys are of the opinion that if the secesh 
of Baltimore are the meanest in the countr\-, the union men are 
certainly the best and truest. Arrived at Fort McHenry we 
were very cordially r_eceived by the officers of the New York 
Forty-Seventh, who installed us in our quarters, and did 
everything in their power to make us comfortal)le. The)- are a 
fine set of fellows, and we all feel greatl)- indebted to their court- 
esy and kindness. 

"On all tlie journey there was no disorder, drunkenness or 
misbehaviour of an)- sort, and this morning the full regiment was 
reported present or accounted for. They are such men as the 
officers are all proud of and as the State may gIor\- in. The)- 
are well ilisposed antl tractalile and take very kindl\- and readily 
to the change froni home coni forts to rough camn life. 

"How long we are to ren-iain her(! no one knows; [irobabU- until 
we ha\e been sufficiently instructed, drilled, and disciplined to 
fit us for service in the field. When that time comes the 
Eighteenth Regiment will be ready to show its mettle, and I 
know they will not fail nor falter in their duty." 



EIGH TEEN TH REGIMEN T 



As it was necessary that troops should be employed both for 
aggressive and defensive movements in Baltimore, it was as well 
perhaps that the Eighteenth should be thus engaged as any 
other regiment of the national forces, but it was a shame to the 
State of Maryland that such a necessity existed. From the first 
it was feared that the citizens of the Commonwealth, allied to 
the South by the strongest social, political and commercial ties, 
would ally themselves with the Rebellion, and it is true that many 
of them were then fighting in the rebel army, while many more 
at home privately gave them substantial aid and encouragement. 
Baltimore was still a rebellious city — a smoking volcano — liable at 
any moment to send forth the fiames of its hate and vengeance 
for the destruction of the capitol of the nation. No doubt many 
of the rebels of the city were living then in hourly expectation of 
deliverance by Stonewall Jackson, who was a source of constant 
terror to the Union forces and Union sympathizers. Indeed, 
they often boasted ot such expectation and desire, and rumors to 
that effect were constantly circulated and found credence among 
the people. The six companies of the Eighteenth at Fort Mc- 
Henry were, therefore, of great service to the country, being a 
restraint upon this rebellious feeling, and a terror to its abet- 
tors. 

Before loaded mortars, ready at a touch to send death and de- 
struction into every street in the city, disloyal Baltimore stood 
with scowling respect, and checked any outward demonstrations 
in behalf of the Southern Confederacy. The frowning embra- 
sures of Forts McHenry and Marshall were a grim though silent 
menace to treacherous men and women, that before Baltimore 
should pass from under Federal rule the city which gave the "Star 
spantded banner" to the nation would become a smoking mass 
of bricks and mortar. The duty of standing guard over this 
secession element, watching its moods for the first indication of 
dano-er, was tiresome and monotonous, yet it was an important 
and imperative one. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 31 



The location of the camp was delightful — a beautiful slope 
extendino; from Fort McHenry to the sparkling waters of Ches- 
apeake bay, the breezes from which came cool and refreshint^. 
The bay was directl\- in the fore;;Tound, its surface dotted with 
the bending sails of hundreds of vessels; while behind and above 
them rose the dark walls of the forts bristling with heavy guns. 
If the Eighteenth hati been looking for comfortable cjuarters 
it was hardly possible it could have been better accommodated. 
The duty was not heavy though constant and regular. Reveille 
and roll-call at five o'clock A. M., breakfast at six, guard mount- 
ing at eight, drill at ten, dinner call at twelve, drill again at three, 
dress parade at five, supper at six, "tattoo" at nine and "taps" at 
ten o'clock comprised the routine of every-da)- duties. 

The 15th of -September found the regiment still at the 
fort, growing still more weary of the monotonous life, but 
deeply interested in the stirring events going on about them. 
fi!xciting, nay, threatening events they were. The Southern 
army had invaded Maryland. Ninety-eight thousand rebels had 
marched past Baltimore, within two days' journey of the city. 
The rebels in the town were jubilant and confident, and many 
looked for Jackson, from day to day, to appear for their deliver- 
ance. 

The Union army, under Gen. Pope, had been driven back 
from the second Bull Run battle, and had taken refuge within 
the defenses of Washington. Gen. Lee had improved this ad- 
vantage by pushing his victorious troops into Maryland, and on 
the 2d of September D. H. Hill's fresh division led the van of 
the rebel army to Leesburg, and thence crossing the Potomac at 
Noland's P'erry had moved on F"rederick city. Jackson, cross- 
ing at White's Ferry on the 5th, had entered Frederick on the 
6th without resistance; and Gen. Lee with the rest of his army 
had rapidly followed, concentrating at the same place, from 
which he issued an artful and impassioned appeal to the South. 

Then follo\Ved the battles of South Mountain and Harper's 
Ferry, and the desperate struggle of Antietam. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The closely contested battle of South Mountain resulted in a 
victory for the Union forces, the news of which was received with 
unbounded delight by the boys in and around Baltimore. During 
these exciting scenes the utmost care and diligence was required 
of the forces at Baltimore on the line of the railroads, and the 
Eighteenth found plenty to do. The regiment had become re- 
markably proficient in the manual of arms and in field exercises, 
and constantly won compliments from sick or wounded offtcers 
who had been sent from the front to the camps of the convales- 
cents. Those officers were from various regiments and nearly 
all had been through the peninsular campaign. The chief 
instructor was Capt. Pierce, of the Massachusetts Tenth, who 
spared no time or pains, and was constant in attention. 

The morale of the regiment was under the care of Chaplain 
Cooper. After a stay of about two weeks, he had returned to 
Connecticut, and visited New London, Norwich and Danielson- 
ville to obtain means for purchasing a fine chapel tent which, on 
his return to camp, was erected, much to the gratification of the 
regiment. It proved a pleasant place of resort for the men 
when ofl duty, where the chaplain held frequent services for a 
time, and considerable religious interest was manifested. The 
division and scattering of the regiment interfered not a little 
with this department. But doubtless much good was done, and 
the sociable religious meetings of that time are recalled with 
affectionate interest by those who took pleasure in them. 

Chaplain Cooper was an earnest, eloquent preacher, and was 
listened to with interest and profit. Many citizens from the city 
were often present at these meetings, and not infrequently 
induced the chaplain to preach at some of their churches, where 
he was cordially welcomed by the denomination (Methodist) to 
which he belonged. 

After the battles of .South Mountain and Antietam. large 
numbers of the sick and wounded soldiers were brought into the 
fort, and at one time there were more than fifteen hundred 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 33 



slightly wounded men provided tor there, the more seriously 
wounded being cared for nearer the battle-helds in the hospitals 
of Raltimore, Boonsboro' and Hagerstown. The arrival of the 
wounded was a new experience to the Eighteenth and a painful 
relief from the monotoii)' of affairs at the fort. These wounded 
soldiers the boys called the "cripple brigade." They had a sad 
story to tell of their sufferings in the "peninsular campaign," 
and later when they were broken down in the great Maryland 
battles, and they never failed of gathering a crowd of eager lis- 
teners. 

During this time the camp was never wanting in rumors in re- 
lation to the immediate or eventual disposition of the regiment. 
Sometimes the story would be that the whole command was to 
be sent to Havre de drace, or to Washington, Harper's Ferry, 
Cincinnati, Port Royal, Newbern or New Orleans, each report 
producing the wildest e.xcitement for a while and then giving 
place to others equally untrue and absurd. Through it all, and 
during the remainder of September and October, the regiment re- 
mained at Port iMcHenry busied with the routine of guard duty, 
drill and dress parades, and becoming daily more perfect under 
the indefatigable efforts of Col. Ely. 

The State Hag, the gift of the ladies of Norwich, which was 
not ready for presentation when the regiment left the State, had 
been completed and forwarded to Col. F-^ly by Governor Buck- 
ingham, the receipt of which was acknowledged in fitting terms as 
follows: 

Camp Morris, Eort McHenry. 

Sir: — In behalf of the regiment I take great pleasure in ac- 
knowledging the receipt of the superb State colors presented to 
us by the ladies of Norwich, The flag was delivered to us to-day, 
its rich silk and elegant stafl" uninjured by transportation. Both 
the national and State colors were this evening brought, forth 
at dress parade, their artistic beauty and richness attracting uni- 
versal attention. Army officers, soldiers and civilians unite in 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



plaudits, pronouncing them surpassingly beautiful. Words are 
wanting for the fit expression of the pride and affection with 
which the Eighteenth C. \^ regard these colors, not alone as 
emblems of our national and State honor, but as constant remind- 
ers of the interest felt in us and our welfare b)' the loved ones 
at home. I am. 

Your obedient servant, 

WllJIAM (i. Ki,v, 

Colonel Eighteenth C. \^ 

To his Excellency Williani A. Buckingham, Governor State 
of Connecticut. 

The regiment had not been a month in Baltimore before the 
demand was made for more recruits to fill the places of those who 
had been promoted, and was a great merit in the Eighteenth that 
it had so many men of sufficient intelligence and ability to fill any 
post of duty. In this respect Company C deserves special mention. 
Although when the regiment was enlisted only eighteen were re- 
ported as teachers, yet in this company alone there were more 
than twent\' young soldiers who had -been successful teachers, 
though at the time of their enlistment were in more lucrative 
employments. -Such men as these were in the line of promotion 
at any time, of whom may be mentioned: Joseph P. Rockwell, 
promoted to be Sergeant Major; |. D. Ripley, hospital steward; 
George E. Dorrance, detailed for the quartermasters' depart- 
ment; D. L. Wilson, Col. Eh's orderly; Hiram B. Crosby, Ad- 
jutant; Christopher A. Brand, Sergeant Major of the Twenty- 
first Regiment; C. B. Culver, detailed to assist the Post Adjutant 
at Fort McHenry; |. L. W. Huntington, of Norwich, and Dr. 
M. W. Robinson, of Hebron, to the post hospital, and A. D. 
Holmes, of Lebanon, blacksmith ot the post. 

Ten men from one company was a large number to lose, and 
they were greatly missed by their comrades. In the case of 
Hiram B. Crosby, who was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel of 
the Twenty-first Regiment, |nne 27th, 1864, he was one of the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 35 

first volunteers of the Eighteenth, who at the great meeting al- 
ready described sprang upon the stage at the conclusion of one of 
the speeches, and enrolled his name. His example was followed 
instantly by a large number of others. He was an earnest and 
enthusiastic soldier, and his early promotion was well deserved. 

The regiment was now in need of recruits and an effort was 
made to obtain them. Lieut. Fred. Palmer was sent home to Nor- 
wich to recruit for Company C. The time chosen for this ser- 
vice was not opportune, as a special eft(:)rt was then being made 
to recruit for the nine months' regimi-nts, and it was quite 
natural that most men would prefer the short term of service. 
Lieut. Palmer wrote back to his company that the prospect for 
raising three years' men would be better from a "grave yard" 
than from among the li\ing men in Connecticut. Accordingly 
Company C could get no recruits to fill its decimated ranks. 
Only five recruits were received during the rest of the year 1S62, 
and only one of these was consigneil to Company C, viz: 
Henry A. Dagget, and he deserted in thirteen days after he ar- 
rived at the regiment. The others were George S. Hayes, 
Company H; William C. Harbison, Compan)' I; A. H. King, 
Company L and Owen McShean, Compan\ 1. The prospect at 
this time of filling up the Eighteenth was not very tlattering. 

It should be stated that four days after the arrival of the regi- 
ment in Baltimore twenty-one enlisted men of the Twenty-first 
Regiment had arrived in camp who enlisted a day or two before 
leaving Norwich. Their case was a peculiar one, they being part 
of a squad of the Twent\ -first who, becoming dissatisfied over the 
choice of officers, felt at liberty to join the Eighteenth, as the\' had 
not been sworn into the United States service. Before quitting 
Norwich the officers of the 'i\vent)-first had made an effort to ar- 
rest them as deserters, but it was claimed the\- had the right to 
change their relations, and Governor Buckingham sustained them 
in their position. Right or wrong, the men became members of 
the Eighteenth and it is not known that they ever had cause to 



36 HIGH TEE NTH REGIMENT 



regret their course. The\- were scattered among different com- 
panies. 

Perhaps another explanation why the effort was futile to recruit 
the regiment may be found in the fact that no bounties were paid 
to the three years' men. rhcreft)rc- men thought themselves 
fortunate, if compelled to go to th( war. to be enlisted in the nine 
months' regiments, notwithstanding the sarcastic criticism of their 
"patriotism" by the three years' soldiers. A correspondent of 
the Eighteenth about that time spoke the general feeling: "We 
make no complaint, have no grievance to present, and shall do 
no grumbling, but we do feel at liberty to lay the facts before the 
people at home and ask you what )(ni think of it? Does govern- 
ment need most nine months' men or three \ears' men. Is the 
patriotism we have all read so much about e.vpended to serve 
and save the government, or is it to avoid the draft? I confess 
that to me it looks ver\ much as though the "(luota" was the big- 
gest thing that had happened to the community lately, and that 
everybody was devoting all their energies to get everybody else 
to go out and fill it. W'ell, if you can't do anything for us in the 
way of recruits we'll get along with what we have." 

As soon as it became evident that the regiment would remain 
in Baltimore for the ensuing winter, ever\ one began to inquire 
what could be done to while away the time. The six companies 
in Fort McHenry began to grow weary of the ceaseless round of 
guard duty, though by way of variety squads of men were detailed 
for some special duty for a short time outside in the city, or in 
its suburbs. But whether here or there everything went on 
monotonously, like clock-work, every man knowing his duty and 
doing it almost mechanically. i'o relieve the monotony of fort- 
life, the idea suggested itself to some of the married men, the of- 
ficers especially, that they have their wives with them to be initi- 
ated into the ways of the soldiers' life, and engage once more in 
the business of mending their husbands' clothes. "If we can't 
get one kind of recruits," said they, "we can another," and every 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 2>7 



company received its full quota of these new recruits. Some of 
whom, however, deserted soon afterwards and returned to the old 
home. The soldier's life was a little too rough for them and 
they were not anxious to enlist for a longer term of service. 
These visitants wert- wflcoine "comrades" while they remained, 
and their presence was a mutual benefit and pleasure in the 
camp. Ordinarily, however, the army is no place for women 
though the "women of the war, " as nurses in the hospitals, were 
angels of mercy to sick and wounded soldiers, and will alwa\'s be 
remembered with the deepest gratitude and affection. 

The writer remembers one hospital where it was the practice 
for the women of the town (Frederick city, Md. ) to visit the sick 
soldiers every afternoon at tour o'clock, to converse with and bring 
them such home comforts as the surgeons would allow. Their 
visits were alwa\s looked for with warmest interest, and if by 
chance one ot them failed to go her usual round, the absence was 
noted and was a source of sorrow and an.\iety. In one instance 
a \()ung soldier, a mere lad, was found weeping, and to a visitor 
who asked the reason of his distress, he said that the lady who 
usuall) visited him at such an hour every day had not come, and 
he missed her presence and sympathy. .She reminded him so 
much of his sister. Fhe Eighteenth at Fort McHenry did not 
need this kind of assistance, for the regiment generally was in ex- 
cellent health and spirits, yet friends from home were always 
welcome. Months afterward, when the officers and men were 
suffering and starving in Libby and Belle Isle prisons, what 
would they not have given for the home-like comforts of their 
stay in Baltimore and the kind attentions bestowetl by the loyal 
men and women of that city. 

The Eighteenth boys seemed to be especially successful in 
engaging the warm regard of the Baltimoreans, and while it is true 
that what was a source of pleasure and profit to some was a door 
ot temptation to others, still many true friends were found in 
that city who will always be remembered with the deepest inter- 
est and pleasure. God bless them. 



38 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The routine of garrison duty was far from being so enjoyable 
as most of the men had anticipated and various expedients were 
adopted to relieve the monotony of Fort Mc Henry. One method 
of killing time was to get leave of absence to visit the cit)', see 
the sights, and hear the news. On these trips many pleasant 
acquaintances were formed and patriotic families of Baltimore 
sent special invitations to officers and men to share their hospi- 
tality and kind attentions. At such meetings the singing of patri- 
otic songs was a favorite amusement, and thejordans, of Company 
H, became especially famous for their singing concerts. At one 
social entertainment, where the jordans appeared, the house was 
decked with flags, and the stars and stripes met the gaze on 
every side, while songs and cheers mingled in delightful accord. 
"America," "Star spangled banner," and especially, "Hoist up the 
flag" were sung to the great amusement of the citizens from 
whom repeated invitations were received that these pleasant oc- 
casions might be repeated. On one afternoon, just preceding a 
proposed concert, a member of the "singing band" presented 
himself before his commander with the request that he might 
"go over to the city" for the evening, but was detained on the 
ground that requests were becoming too frequent. "Well, 1 shall 
go to the colonel," was the response. Not many moments later 
a tall, spare man, with sand)' whiskers, stood in the presence of 
the colonel repeating his request. "Where do you wish to go?" 
asked the latter. "Oh, to a house down town to have a sing 
and a good time generally," was the reply. "How long do you 
want to stay?" "llntil nine o'clock," was the response. The col- 
onel wrote a pass and on handing it to the soldier said, "I shall 
let you stay until ten o'clock, and 1 am going with you." This 
result, it is needless to say, gave great satisfaction, and if the 
boys staid later than usual that night it was because they had 
the authority with them. In recollection of these delightful in- 
cidents it will not seem surprising that the survivors of the Vir- 
ginia campaigns cherish grateful memories of the true and loyal 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 39 



citizens of the monumental city, while at the same time they can- 
not forget the hatred and disgust which the disloyal ladies mani- 
fested toward all Union soldiers. It was pitiful, as well as amus- 
ing, sometimes to witness their display of concern; to see them 
cross the street, or turn a corner in order to avoid passing under 
the old Hag: as they daintily lifted their skirts as though it would 
be a lasting disgrace to come in contact with the men who stood 
b)- the stars and stripes. The haughty air and disdainful look 
indicated that the presence of the Yankee soldier was anything 
but welcome in the streets of Baltimore. 

When the rebels determined on a separate government, the 
plea being that the North had violated the Constitution, anrl 
therefore was the aggressor, they committed a fatal error for 
their cause that they did not continue to carr)- the American 
flag. But in contempt of the North, and its free institu- 
tions, they trampled the old banner in the dust, and at once for- 
feited all claim to be considered the national party, making open 
war upon the Constitution itself. Thus it is true that there were 
thousands and tens of thousands of men North and West who 
sympathized with the South in its view of shuery and the right 
to an ecjual portion of the states and territories to (jrupagate 
the doctrine that "ihe black man had no right which white men 
were bound to respect," and it is not unlikely that these same 
men would have fought much more willingly tor the South than 
the North if the former had maintained the right to the old 
flag, and commenced the war under its protecting lolds. Had 
this been done it is a question perhaps whether there would 
have been any soldiers in the Northern army called war 
Democrats, who could not turn traitors to their national Hag, or 
join hands with those who had al)andoned it and raised the 
openly rebelliously stars and bar.s. Indeed it seemed in the 
eyes of these men a great criine in itself to re])udiate the stars 
and stripes; and it was mainly said universal devotion to the Hag 
that caused those public demonstrations that so much annoyed 



40 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



and discomtited the rebels who were obHt^ed to Hve within the 
Union lines. 

It is undeniable that in the fall and winter of 1S62 and 1863 
the cit\' of Baltimore was only krpt to the laws of the United 
States b\ Union bayonets. The rebels were continually restive 
and impatient for an opportunity to fret- themselves from the 
power of their masters, knowing which the I'nion soldiers em- 
braced every favorable occasion to testify their devotion to the 
fl.ag which the rebel city despised and hated. Therefore a bat- 
tle of words was constantly' ,^n)ini;' on in which hatred ol anci love 
for the Union were displayed with equal passion and sincerity. 
The members of the Eighteenth will recall many of these 
discussions with Interest, and not soon forget how their oppo- 
nents chafed and fumed as they were compelled to listen to Union 
sentiments, and patriotic songs, it was ludicrous at times to 
witness their demonstrations of displeasure as the boys sung 
"Rally round the tiag," "( )ld John Brown," and other stirring 
Northern songs. 

It was such hearty enthusiasm for the old Hag that discom- 
fited and discouraged the rebels of Baltimore; while no corres- 
ponding sentiment could be elicited from the rebels for their 
worthless rag. Their stars and bars had no inspiring histori- 
cal incidents to give fame and prestige. It was not like the Union 
banner, the symbol of universal liberty and ecjualit)'. It was not 
their fathers' flag. It was not the flag of Washington and JefTer- 
son and Jackson of heroic and civil fame. Well we remember a 
year later how (|uickl\- the eyes of oKI .Southern men and women 
filled with tears at the sight of the stars and stripes, and their 
lips quivered when the)' spoke of the Union as it was. One old 
man said with trembling emphasis that he "Remonstrated with 
his rebel neighbors for a long time, and plainl)- told them they 
were committing a great mistake in fighting against the flag of 
their country." .\nd so indeed the) tlid. Man)- felt and acknowl- 
edged the wrong, well knowing that power was on the side of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 41 



the Union soldiers who inspired each other with courage and en- 
durance as they sang paeans to the "star spangled banner." 

A stranger visiting the camp of the Eighteenth at about this 
period would have been favorably impressed with the general 
good feeling and spirit of the men, who seemed bound to make 
the best of the situation in spite of the inconveniences and hard- 
ships of their novel life. During each day various duties and 
amusements came along in their order, or out of order, just as it 
happened, and our visitors often remarked: "These soldiers are 
jolly fellows after all and they know how to accommodate them- 
selves to enjoy themselves." To such remarks the reply was: 
"My friend, just stay and spend the evening with us if you want 
to see the Eighteenth in its happiest mood." 

The climate of "Maryland, my Maryland" seemed peculiar 
to a Northern man; even its finest September days end in 
chills and damps. Hut the boys in their tents are quite at 
ease and happy. About two hours ago the mails were distributed, 
bearing "good news from home," generally, and all are in the 
best of spirits. Now they are in for some music. What shall 
we call it? A grand concert, closing up with an universal medley. 
Hut we must call on the Norwich Bulletin's old correspondent 
(Ike) for a truthful and graphic description of the scene. He 
writes, under the date of September 30th, 1.S62, as follows: "Per- 
haps we don't have any music in this camp. Step in among us 
some night, and see if we don't. As I sit in my tent writing this 
in the edge of the evening let me try to pick out the kind and 
classes of music that rise in chaotic fragments'from ' the camp. 

"From Capt. Hates' company's street, away out there on the left, 
a blended harmony, produced l)y the upper part of the street 
singing 'Rock of ages.' while the lower half are 'putting in' 
with 'Wait for the wagons,' floats over me; next on their right, 
Lieut. Matthewson's company are singing 'John Brown's body, 
by snatches, and 'There'll be no more sorrow there," with energy. 
Capt. Bowen's boys add to the volume the touching strains of 



42 EIGHTEENTH REGIME NT 



'Old dog Tray,' mixed up with 'Joyfully, joyfully,' etc. The 
street in front of me (Company C) swells the chorus with three 
or four different kinds of music, including one Jews-harp and three 
fifes. Capt. Hakes' fellows are uproariously jolly; between the 
bars of music, sacred, sentimental, humorous, and patriotic, I catch 
the rasping of the cat-gut in the 'Devil's dream,' and 'Fishers' 
hornpipe,' and the loved 'cross over,' 'right and left,' 'ladies 
grand change,' with which they are making their camp-life pleas- 
ant. From the extreme right wing comes the strains of 'March- 
ing along,' sung by the Greeneville Glee Club, in Company A. 
A straggling squad, promiscuously gathered, are being entertained 
over in the rear by the quartermaster's boy "Spanny," who imi- 
tates very naturally all sorts of animals that make unearthly 
noises. There is an occasional howl of a dog, of which not less 
than a thousand live, move, and have a being within the fort 
grounds; a squeal of rat, of which there are millions in camp, 
fattening on what the soldiers waste, while over all comes the 
shrill voice of the sentry on the sea-wall shouting in tones that 
speak feelingly of a pain in the stomach, 'Corporal of the guard 
number twenty-three;' and there is the bugle, and with the officers 
call which it sounds I close the catalogue of harmonies, and go 
and see what is wanted. Perhaps you can gather from my poor 
attempt to sift out the tunes and sounds from this hopperful of 
melody that we are not as a general thing disposed to melan- 
choly in the Eighteenth. These moonlight evenings are won- 
derful exhilarators. No matter what the duties of the day have 
been, however severe or fatiguing, the moonlight 'drives dull 
care away,' and with song, dance, joke, and fun the evening hours 
run merrily away." 

Thus ended the grand concert, and all are well pleased with 
the evening's entertainment. .Similar scenes will be recalled by 
many members of the Eighteenth with unfeigned pleasure as 
giving the "sunny side" of the soldier's life. 

Allusion has been made to the "Greeneville Glee Club," a full 



Connecticut volunteers. 43 



history of which wouUl hit very entertaining. It was composed 
of some of the best men and singers in the regiment, whose per- 
formances always did them great credit and attracted a crowd, 
and if we mistake not were very popular with the loyal citizens 
of Baltimore. We regret that no member of the "club" has 
written us with reference to its formation, giving the names of its 
members, and a full account of its attractive concerts. One of 
the members, "Spanny," (a Spaniard) was a peculiar specimen, a 
general favorite among the officers as a servant, and who afford- 
ed no little amusement to the regiment generally. Capt. Hakes' 
"Spanny" deserves a special notice, and reference may be made 
to him again in connection with the hrst Winchester campaign. 

Sometimes the entertainments assumed a serio-comic character. 
For instance, the boys will remember that serious aftair on Fed- 
eral Hill, two miles from Fort McHenry,in which several officers 
of the post were detailed to act on a court of in(|uiry over a 
horse which departed this life suddenly. The cpiestion was, 
whether his death was owing to natural causes, or to the Avhip 
and spur of the orderl) who had ridden him the day previous. 
Colonels, majors and captains visited the stall and gravely inves- 
tigated the matter and at last came to this profound conclusion: 
"Firstly, this is a dead horse; secondly, his death is nobody's 
fault but his own; thirdly, it is ordered that he be suitably buried; 
fourthly, this dead horse must be charged to profit and loss in all 
the books of the dej^artment." It is needless to say that the 
findings of the court were perfectly satisfactory, but it is not 
known whether the case was reported to the war department at 
Washington or not. Some of our readers will recall other inci- 
dents of a character both grave and gay, producing demonstration 
corresponding with each. 

In the meantime the regiment was being perfected in drill, and 
its attitude elicited frank commendations from Gen. Morris, who 
said, on one occasion, that he had never seen any regiment of the 
same length of time in the field make so fine an appearance. 



44 EIGHTEENTH RECIMENT 



Gen. Morris had the reputation of hein<; one of the strictest dis- 
ciplinarians; when he compHmentf d a soldier his words were ap- 
preciated, and not unnatural!) the men were hit;hly elated by his 
expressions. Ihe health of the rei^iment continued excellent, 
and a finer looking body ol men are rarely seen. An eflort was 
made at this time to recall the four companies from up the road, 
as the railroad people were so much pleased with those already 
employed that they wished to have the whole reoiment similarly 
engaged, with headquarters at Havre-de-Grace. The effort, 
however, did not succeed, and the six companies settled down in 
a great measure contented, or in patient waiting for orders to 
move in any direction. 

The last of .September found six companies of the Eighteenth 
still at Fort McHenry rapidly gaining in military tactics gen- 
erally, and feeling considerable confidence, if not a little pride in 
itself, when it was apparent that in no respect did it suffer in 
comparison with other regiments in the vicinity. 

Gen. Morris' complimentary remarks were reported by Col. 
Ely at dress parade to the boys, and they were received with evi- 
dent satisfaction and communicated with not a little pride to 
their friends at home. 

Col. Ely had felt from the first some disappointment in hav- 
ing his regiment divided and more so at this time, as the com- 
panies up the road were deprived of the advantage of dress 
parade and the daily field service. At dress parade, especiall)-, it 
was very desirable to have the whole regiment in line for the 
best effect. Under such circumstances the commainl would have 
made a fine appearance — the ranks being nearly full, the men 
equipped in their best style, with white gloves, clean and shining 
muskets and everything else to match. But every attempt to 
have the four companies recalled was ineffectual, the railroad not 
only opposing it but making a special effort to have the whole 
regiment posted on the line between Baltimore and Philadelphia, 
and immediate vicinity, for the protection of property, with head- 




Ha;':r JC5EPK MATHEVl'SCN. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 45 



quarters at Havre-de-Grace. This was proof enouo-h that the 
regiment was acquiring- a good reputation tor fidelity and effi- 
ciency and tliat its service was appreciated. 

About the middle of October an incident occurred at POrt 
McHenry which for a time caused no little excitement. Reference 
has alread)' been made to the fact that after the battles of South 

Mountain and Antietam a large number of rebel prisoners some 

-^jck and wounded, some able-bodied, some officers and privates 

were brought to Fort McHenry, and were placed under the sur- 
veillance of Union soldiers. The Eighteenth had its full share 
of this number. Of course the presence of so man\- rebel pris- 
oners gave a new interest to the daily duties, ami abundant op- 
portunities also to become acquainted with the character of 
the men who had been engaged in the rebel service. It furnished 
occasion too for the rebels of Baltimore to show th(Mr sympathy 
for the Rebellion, and they were not wanting in a disposition to 
give aid and comfort to those who had ])een fightino- its battles. 
For a few days after the prisoners were brought in. the provost 
marshal's quarters were fairly besieged, especiall)- with female 
Secessionists who had come from the cit)' in carriai^es loaded 
with "rations" and clothing, shoes and blankets. In addition to 
the.se articles there were also brought gray uniforms bearing.' the 
stamp of the Southern Confederacy. This sympathizing demon- 
stration raised a storm of righteous indignation among the Union 
soldiers, many of whom had been in th(; hospital sick and per- 
haps wounded for months without seeing the face of an\' Balti- 
morean, man or woman, to dispense to them the luxuries, or 
even the necessaries of life. Many such men had been confined 
within the walls of the fort, had suffered a thousand ills and in- 
conveniences, without Ijeing able to obtain the smallest article of 
comfort without submitting to the tedious processes of red 
tape, while these rebel prisoners perhaps had shot down man)- 
of the Union soldiers who now were obliged to look on and see 
them petted, nursed, fed and clothed, and knowino- that after a 



46 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



little time they would be sent back to the Confederacy to take up 
arms again to assail the Union. What made the affair still 
more galling was the fact that these rebels sympathizers were 
acting ujider a pass from Gen. Wool, who, if the truth is told, 
was not very highly complimented for a courtesy, that while it no 
doubt was well intended was in reality infamously abused. The 
correspondent of the Norwich Bulletin wrote of this incident, as 
follows: "I confess that when I remember how the Federal gov- 
ernment maintains a blockade of all the Southern ports and 
guards with such strict jealousy all avenues of communication 
with the rebel states, with the object of preventing the rebel army 
from obtaining provisions and clothing; when I thought how the 
rebel Gen. Stuart was at that moment making a foray into Penn- 
sylvania for the purpose of obtaining just what these men were 
receiving under the nose of and by special permission of an of- 
ficer in high rank in our army; when I considered too that these 
men, whom I knew from their confessions to be sick of the Re- 
bellion and anxious above all things to see the end of it, were 
clothed, fed, reassured in their faith in the final success of their 
cause, and sent back strengthened and encouraged to continue 
the war against us, by rebel sympathizers in a loyal city; when 
I remember all these things I confess that — well, I wont confess 
— except that I could not understand why Gen. Stuart took 
the trouble and risk (was there any?) of going up into Pennsyl- 
vania after blue uniforms, so abundant here, and only the farce 
of being taken prisoner necessary to secure the plunder and 
make a reconnoissance." The next day following their first visit 
the "female rebels" made their appearance again with carriage 
loads, of "rebel stores," and the labor of distribution began; 
but to the rage and disgust of these rebel quartermasters the 
Union convalescents and some of Eighteenth made a personal 
requisition on the supplies on their own account, distributing two 
grey uniforms among themselves, and helping themselves to 
shoes and other things generally. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 47 



Not satisfied with this booty it is said they procc-dcd to i^ive 
the disloyal beauties to understand that their presents as well as 
their presence could be dispensed with thereafter, and that 
Yankee jack-knives could be used to "whittle" harness and car- 
riatjes as well as "down-east" pine sticks. It is remarked 
that Gen. Morris thereupon issued an order in the Baltimore 
morning papers, forbidding the issue of anymore army supplies 
to the rebel prisoners in the fort, e.xcept through the provost 
marshal of the post. However, as far as the practice went, 
the boys reaped not a little benefit, and considerable fun from it. 
Several Union soldiers, who had made recjuisition on the (juar- 
termaster for shoes and clothing, suddenly countermanded their 
orders; and though it is not known that they gave their rea- 
sons for this proceeding, it is probable that it was not neces- 
sary. About this time the camp dialogue took this turn: "I say, 
where did you get those shoes? Nice fit ain't they.''" And 
the reply: "Ask those 'secesh' ladies who carry their colors on 
their bonnets — red and white roses in the front, with red and white 
trimmings. No doubt they are condoling each other on the 
losses of yesterday, and their ill luck generally. 

The manner of confiscation described above was not e.xactly 
in accordance with the regulations of the post, but it com- 
passed the end to be attained perhaps just as well as any other. 
None could justly blame the Union soldiers for the indigna- 
tion they manifested over the bold and provoking sympathy 
which these female friends of the Southern Confederacy mani- 
fested for men who had shot down and inhumanly treated 
Union soldiers; nor for the appropriation they made of rebel 
uniforms and delicacies. It was e.xtremely trying to bear the 
taunts and scornful looks of the bitter enemies of the govern- 
ment, the protection of whose flag they were receiving, and 
when they abused this privilege, and openly and unblushingly 
showed their regard for the rebel cau.se by giving it all the 
aid and comfort in their power, then forbearance ceased to be a 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



virtue and summary vengeance was visited on the disloyal 
parties. 

Had rebel sympathy gone no farther than to su|)[j1)' the im- 
mediate wants of the sick, wounded and needy, and held out 
no inducements or encouragements to persist in their opposi- 
tion to the Union cause, there would have been no good rea- 
sons for this decisive treatment of the rebel commissaries of 
Baltimore. 

As it was. Union sentiment justified the soldiers and Gen. Mor- 
ris attempted no punishment for the disposition that was made 
of the rebel uniforms. 

It has been already stated that the day after the Eighteenth 
arrived in Baltimore four companies of the left wing were or- 
dered up the road toward Philadelphia on special guard duty, 
with headquarters at Havre-de-Grace. These companies were 
Capt. Peale's, Capt. Warner's, Capt. Knapp's and Company 
K; the battalion being under the command of Major Keach, 
who was very popular with his men. The necessity for such 
a disposition of troops was apparent. The railroad and tele- 
graph communications had been several times interrupted, and 
danger was still imminent. Maryland yet swarmed with dis- 
loyalists watching every opportunity to bring dishonor and ruin 
upon the national cause, and but for the vigilance of the gov- 
ernment, this important line of communication with the North 
would have been seriously, perhaps fatally interrupted. Hence 
the Eighteenth was doing excellent service for their country in 
the faithful discharge of this duty^of guarding the road. True, 
the service was dull and monotonous, but it was none the less 
necessary and important. 

Company K was ordered to Havre-de-Grace about August 
25th, 1862, and there it remained nearly eight months. Up to 
the first of January, 1863, there had been but one death in the 
company, that of John Penry, of Killingh', whose death occurred 
on November 28th, previous to the time indicated. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 49 



No other changes of special note occurred, except in the de- 
sertion of Felix \V. Wilmot, of Killingly, on December 8th. The 
general health of the company was good, the duties comparatively 
light and on the whole satisfactory. The principal amusements 
were hunting and fishing, and these kept the table well supplied 
with a healthful variety of food. At least there were no com- 
plaints of short rations. 

At first the citizens of the place were cold and reserved — their 
first acquaintances with Union soldiers having been exceptionally 
unpleasant. Company K had relieved a New York regiment 
whose boisterous behaviour had inspired such distrust that few 
ladies dared to go out into the street after dark. It was some 
time before the Connecticut boys could commend themselves to 
the "good graces" of the ladies at Havre-de-Grace, and they ac- 
complished it in this way: By quiet, orderly conduct when off 
duty, regular attendance at church, and by taking part in the 
singing and other exercises of the social meetings. -Some of 
them appeared in the choir; and is it any wonder that after 
a time the ladies of Havre-de-Grace began to think that the sol- 
diers were at least partly civilized, and that they began to show 
themselves on the street again. "Music has charms to soothe," 
it is said, and it was in good part by this charm that the singers 
in Company K conquered a peace with even the disloyal ladies 
of Maryland. After which singing parties were organized, the boys 
were invited to spend the evening, and the time passed quickly 
and pleasantly. The boys retain many pleasant recollections of 
their stay there. It must be admitted, however, that the people 
were not very enterprising, indolence and whiskey drinking being 
their prevailing sins, and which became more fatal to the Northern- 
ers than even rebel hate or bullets, as we shall see hereafter. Soon 
Company I, Capt. Knapp, was ordered to Back River, about 
five miles from Baltimore, on the railroad, and there it continued 
about two months, the location being bad and unhealthy. At 
one time much sickness prevailed in the company, one-half of 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the men being ill of chills and fever. Private Charles H. Beck- 
with, of Norwich, was sent home, where he died December ist, 
and many others contracted diseases from which they never fully 
recovered while in the service. Capt. Knapp was on the sick 
list and subsequently was obliged to resign and return to Con- 
necticut. That part of the company which escaped the fever 
had pleasant times, although the duty was more onerous by 
reason of the large number incapacitated by sickness. One of 
the pastimes was shooting wild ducks, which were very plentiful. 
The company had settled down with a fair prospect of remaining 
for a lengthy period; they had completed a new house — a com- 
fortable building — and the general appearance of camp promised 
convenience and comfort, for a soldier's life, when the order came 
to move, as italwajs does when soldiers get ready for house-keep- 
ing, and begin to enjoy themselves. But the order is imperative, 
and in a brief space everything lies in heaps, is soon loaded up, 
and Company I is on the march for Camp Emory, near Baltimore, 
and perhaps on the whole not reluctant to get away from the 
low, marshy, and sickly grounds of Back River. 

Company F, Capt. Peale, was stationed at Gunpowder Bridge, 
which was an important position. During the first year of the 
war the rebels had succeeded in destroying it, and the rebel 
citizens were ready to repeat the performance at the first op- 
portunity. One of them said to a member of the Eighteenth 
on a certain occasion: "What would you do with a man if you 
found him disturbing the railroad track or telegraph wires?" and 
received this reply: "Well, I think we should run him up into one 
of these tall oaks, and there would not be many words with him 
either." The rebels having thus ascertained the metal of Capt. 
Peale and his men apparently came to the conclusion that it 
would not be proper to disturb Gunpowder Bridge, the railroad 
or the telegraph wires, unless they were prepared to risk the 
safety ot their own necks. No disturbance whatever occurred 
and everything went well. The location was pleasant and healthy, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 51 



rations were good and the quarters quite comfortable. Up to 
January, 1863, there were no deaths, nor desertions, or any un- 
pleasant occurrences worthy of mention. 

The members of Company F recall with much satisfaction the 
pleasant course of their eight months stay at that place. The 
usual camp amusements were in vogue, which helped to "while 
away the hours" and beguile the monoton)' of picket duty, drills 
and dress parades. Much of the time, however, was passed in 
anticipation of incidents; and the frequent passing trains of cars 
crowded with passengers and soldiers created more or less in- 
terest and diversion. 

Company G, Capt. Warner, was stationed at Perryville, on the 
east side of the Susquehanna, opposite Havre-de-Grace. This 
was a low, dirty looking place and infested with some of the most 
bitter and revengeful .Secessionists. But there were true and ar- 
dent Union people there also, among whom the boys found 
many friends and passed many pleasant hours. Nothing of 
special interest transpired save that Second Lieut. Luther E. 
Rawson, of Woodstock, resigned December 22d; private Stiles 
Rawson died December 3d; Corporal Charles A. Bosworth 
died December 27th, and private John Riley, of Woodstock, was 
discharged for disability December 2 2d. There were no deser- 
tions to record. The company generally were in good health 
and as well pleased with their fare and accommodations as could 
be expected. The usual pastimes, such as hunting, boating and 
fishing were enjoyed with a zrst. If the neighbors' pastures or 
hen-roosts ever sufiered loss it was by the consent of the owners 
thereof by way of compensation. It is believed that in this re- 
spect all the Eighteenth boys gave general satisfaction to the loyal 
families on the line of the road, and this may account for the 
fact that special effort was made to retain their services in this 
department. The commanders of the companies are deserving 
of especial honor for the good order which they maintained, and 
the respect that was shown to the rights of loyal citizens. While 



52 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



we do not pretend to say that known Secessionists fared as well 
in every respect as did the loyalists, we will venture the assertion 
that they were treated fully as well as the)- deserved. 

Taking leave of the four companies, whose location has been 
given, in their quiet and comfortable quarters up the road, we re- 
turn to Baltimore to find the six companies at Fort McHenr)' 
about to change their quarters. Two months have been passed 
at this place, and on some accounts the boys are cjuite willing 
to leave it. 

There has been a decided change in the appearance of Fort 
McHenry and in its surroundings. The grassy slopes are no 
longer fresh and green, the delightful sea breeze has given place 
to raw, chilly winds from the bay, and the summer showers, 
cool and refreshing, are succeeded b)- autumn rains. It was 
then for the first time that the Connecticut man was furnished a 
correct idea of the nature of Maryland mud, the stickiest and 
deepest they had ever seen. Thus the disagreeable weather 
of the coming winter,in connection with the close confinement, 
monotonous and irksome duties to which they had been sub- 
jected, inspired these companies with jubilant feelings over their 
approaching departure. The order having come to leave on the 
30th of October, the previous night was spent in getting ready to 
move. All through the camp fires blazed high and hot, consum- 
ing boxes, floors, and articles of camp furniture which not being 
portable the boys used in celebrating their exodus from the fort, 
and making themselves comfortable and merry. There was 
singing, dancing, speech-making, fun and frolic, and the whole 
camp was in merry uproar over the novel experience of a "first 
move." Next day came, the order to "fall in" was obeyed with 
unusual alacrity, and the Eighteenth was soon marching in high 
glee through the city toward Fort Marshall. 

The march through Baltimore was an ovation and attended 
with enjoyable excitement. Whenever the companies halted the 
citizens came around them in crowds; warm-hearted Union people 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 53 



brought out refreshments from their houses and bestowed every 
possible attention. Even the Secessionists treated the troops 
with respect and expressed admiration of their noble bearino- 
and soldierly qualities. It is related that one of this class broui^ht 
out a barrel of apples and distributed them among- the men, at the 
same time remarking that if every reginKMit from the North was 
like the Eighteenth Connecticut, Maryland would soon be 
thoroughly Union. The apples, however, were not (|uite sound, 
and many of them were rotten to the core — a fair symbol the sol- 
diers thought of the Southern Confederacy. Those that were good 
were soon pocketed, and the boys marched on elated with the 
pleasant incidents b)- the way. It was nearly night when the)- 
reached Fort Marshall, but instead of entering the barracks, as at 
first intended, they pitched their tents directly in front of the 
works at Camp Emory. On the same night the regiment was 
brigaded with the One Hundred and Tenth New York, under the 
command of Col. Littlejohn, in (ien. Emory's division, from 
whom their camp derived its name. livery man made himself as 
comfortable as his means and circumstances would allow. Fort 
Marshall was one of th(^ most important defenses of lialtimore. 
It was a new earth-work erected after the war began, and its guns 
were so planted as to sweep the streets of the city as well as 
other directions. The position was such that the cit)- rebels 
knew well what to expect in the event of a rising against L'nion 
soldiers, as had been the case when the .Sixth Massachusetts 
passed through a year before. The situation was as beautiful as 
it was commanding, being the highest point of land in the vicin- 
ity and furnishing a magnificent view of the city and country for 
five or six miles around. The bay presented a delightful prospect, 
often dotted with sailing vessels and steamers passino to and 
from the harbor; Port McHenry was nearly opposite in full 
view, and F"ederal Hill showed finely a short distance in an 
opposite direction. 

As a whole the situation was charming and the chano-e was 



54 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



more than satisfactory to both officers and privates — all cherished 
pleasing anticipations in respect to the future. It promised also 
to be a healthy position. For a week or two previous to the 
removal there had been considerable sickness in camp; colds 
and fever had prevailed to some e.xtent, and there were several 
cases of jaundice, a disease which, as a correspondent .says, "Caused 
the faces of some to beam with the hues of sunset, and the roots 
of their hair to glitter with a color that would have set a gold 
digger to prospecting with confidence." The sensations of those 
thus diseased are described as intolerable, and are thus suggested 
by Bromley in a Norwich letter. It was his first Sunday at Camp 
Emory. "I can only say that all of that horrible Sunday I lay in 
my blankets in my tent with the wind and rain howling and pat- 
tering outside, and an occasional stream of water trickling down 
my canvas walls and running round me; looking through the 
yellowest pair of eyes that ever hung out as a wrecked liver's 
signal of distress, at the war, the country, the Eighteenth Regi- 
ment and its camp, and I leave you to imagine the rest." 

The day after the arrival at Camp Emory Company A, Capt. 
Davis, was sent down on the eastern shore to Upper Marlboro', a 
little "secesh" den, where a guard was necessary to keep the 
citizens informecUas to who was President of the United States, 
and how many stars and stripes there were on the old flag. They 
started on Sunday morning, conveyed on the cars as far as Bla- 
densburg, five or six miles this side of Washington, where they 
procured transportation; thence marching about twent)- miles to 
their destination. No sooner had Capt. Davis arrived there than an 
order was received trom headquarters to return to Baltimore. 
It proved that the order for the expedition was a mistake and 
that the company should not have been sent there at all. The 
trip, however, was an agreeable change from the monotony at 
Fort McHenry, and gave the boys a fine opportunity to view the 
country, and test the metal of the citizens along the route as de- 
veloping their Union or Secession tendencies. And, moreover. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 55 



it afforded them an opportunity to enjoy a passing view of 
Washington. 

The boys made preparations to return at once and marched 
directly for the capital, where they boarded the cars for Balti- 
more, arriving at that city at about seven o'clock on Wednesday 
evening without the loss of a man. Init not without loss to the 
enemy, although it is not known that any great sensation was 
produced throughout the country on this account. One incident 
of the trip, however, must not be omitted, as it serves to show 
what a band of valiant men will do for their country when the 
danger becomes imminent; and, furthermore, decidedly indicated 
what would have been the fate of the Secessionists of the eastern 
shore had they been as imprudent and reckless as was the un- 
fortunate victim of Federal bayonets in this case. We give the 
account verbatim, as related by an eye witness, as showing of 
what immense importance the affair was to the welfare of the 
country. Says the narrator: "The only incident of the march was 
the sudden death of a pig who ran against a bayonet on the 
march from Marlboro back. He died so suddenly that the soldiers 
roasted him to keep him from spoiling." 

As rebels had often reported that the Yankees were canni- 
bals and would eat up the poor whites and even the niggers, so 
when the citizens saw the fate of the pig all becSme quiet at once 
on the eastern shore, and Company A returned in triumph to 
headquarters. 

At the same time that Company .A. returned from their scout to 
Marlboro, Companies E, H and L) were ordered up the road — E 
to Perryville, D to Stemmers Run and H to Charleston, about 
four miles east of Perryville. A detachment of Company H was 
sent to Conewingo on the west bank of the Susrpiehanna, twelve 
miles above Havre-de-Grace, and placed under the command of 
Lieut. Locke. Conewingo was a pleasant and healthy location 
and the detachment remained there through the fall and winter, 
on good terms with the citizens, assisting them in making their 



56 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



cider, in drinking it as long as it was sweet, and in making them- 
selves useful generally. Nothing of special note occurred save 
that the boys displayed their valor at Thanksgiving in slaughter- 
ing the chickens for a Yankee dinner at the same time that their 
friends at home were feasting on roast turkeys and the historic 
pumpkin pie. 

We do not intend, however, to convey the impression that the 
boys robbed the citizens' hen-roosts for their booty; to be sure 
they did no such thing, but went out among the farmers with 
money in hand, bought their eggs and chickens, and then engaged 
a sweet looking Maryland housewife to make and cook their pie 
with the other things to match. While at the appointed time 
they sat down to their Thanksgiving repast, which was served up 
in their own house. Whether they had a plum pudding or not is 
not positively known, but they had a jolly good time even if they 
could not sing at the close the song of "Little Jack Horner." 
And by the wa)'. Thanksgiving was well observed all along the 
road, and at Fort Marshall, many of the boys having received 
boxes from home containing turkeys, chickens, mince pies, plum 
puddings, cake, jellies, and a host of other good things. In some 
places the boxes were piled as high as the head and every-one had 
a feast. It would hardl)- do to state positively that there were 
wines at the feast, but it is to be presumed that there were, even 
if nothing stronger was brought forth. The home "rations" 
were highly enjoyed, tender allusions were frequently made 
concerning the "loved ones" there, and many a thought sug- 
gested itself of the "good time coming," when the war would be 
over and the soldiers would be "marching home." 

Company E found the citizens of Perryville,as already indicated, 
rebel to the back bone and one prominent citizen, who had been 
a judge in Baltimore, was suspected of rendering aid and com- 
fort to the Confederacy, though he had managed to obtain a gov- 
ernment contract for mules. He was closely watched. Company 
D was pleasantly situated at Stemmers Run, occupying a dwell- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 57 



ing house for their quarters a portion of the time, and camping 
in tents the remainder. The duty was comparatively easy and if 
the bovs had one thing to complain of more than another it was 
dull times. By many Perryville was voted a lonesome place, and 
the company were glad when the order came to remove to Balti- 
more. 

Company H did not tarry long at Charleston but returned 
toward Baltimore to Chase's .Station, fourteen miles from the city. 
While here an exciting event occurred which at first it was 
thought would end in a fight. The company had been at Chase's 
about two weeks, when on .Sunday afternoon one of the men 
discovered that contraband goods were stored in a point of land 
running out into Chesapeake Bay, and were in charge of a rebel 
guard. On the reception of this intelligence the greatest ex- 
citement was aroused, and an order was at once issued for twenty- 
five men to "fall in." The men were anxious to go, all of them, 
it being the first e\[)edition of the kind since they had entered 
the service. The lines were instantly formed, muskets loaded, 
the order was given, right face, forward, double quick, and away 
the boys went down the hill and over the railroad, and then 
charged into the woods where the conflict was expected, but there 
was no fight. The enemy had precipitately Hed, leaving the forti- 
fication — a little hovel — to fall into the hands of the Yankees 
with all its goods and stores. A guard was immediately placed 
over the hovel and the remainder of the squad went scouting 
through the surrounding country in search ol the owners of the 
goods. Only one capture was made, that of a negress, who fled 
down a lane in the greatest fear and consternation as the Yankees 
approached, it being generally understood that the Northern sol- 
diers would kill every person they met, and perhaps eat them. 
The ridiculous scene will not soon be forgotten — the colored lady 
fleeing at her highest rate of speed, and a doughty lieutenant 
pursuing in hot haste. Vox a time the result was somawhat 
doubtful, though the result was, we believe, that the colored pe- 



58 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



destrian was at length run down and bodily made a prisoner of 
war. No information was gained as to the whereabouts of the 
owners of the contraband goods. 

The goods captured in this raid were mostly envelopes, writ- 
ing paper, and some exceedingly valuable cotton machinery. A 
day later all this property would have been sent -South, out of 
the reach of the United States government, by the way of the 
underground railroad and the Potomac. On the whole, the ex- 
pedition was both an exciting and profitable one; it gave the 
rebels in the vicinity a wholesome fright and was a warning to the 
conductors of the underground railroad that they must run their 
trains with more secrecy if they expected them to reach their 
destination. It is believed, moreover, that after this the trains 
were hauled off and Company H became master of the situa- 
tion. 

Company G was posted at Bush River bridge, about half way 
between Baltimore and Havre-de-Grace. This bridge was about 
one mile in length, and was erected in'place of one the rebels had 
destroyed in the first year of the war, and was a pleasant and desir- 
able locality, more so tlian any other on the road, the camp being 
on high ground and overlooking a fme country landscape. Not far 
away were good hunting grounds to which the men made 
frequent visits, and from which the table of Company G was often 
replenished with savory meats of great varieties. There was 
also good hshing near by and the sport was both enjoyable and 
profitable. There were plenty of rebels too, and they were closely 
watched for it was evident they were ready to do any mischief to 
the Union cause as soon as opportunity offered. There were 
also good Union men and their kind attentions were in delight- 
ful contrast to the cold and sullen demeanor of their disloyal 
neighbors. 

One of the latter class, who lived about four miles away, had 
given ample proof of his attachment to the government by send- 
ing several sons to the Union army. Capt. Warner maintained 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 59 

good order in his cointnaiui, ami il is saiil effectiiall)- enforced 
the Maine law in tlie \ icinity, greath to the discomfort of many 
people Ihere were no deaths, discharges, nor desertions in this 
company to report while they were at this post. 

Private Stephen H. ()atley, of Flast Killingly, who lost a tinker 
by the accidental discharge of his musket, was the only man in- 
jured while the company was on duty at this place. 

In the meantime the three companies. A, B and C, remaining 
at Fort Marshall were enjoying themselves in their new camp 
better than at any time since leaving their native State. Guard 
duties were light, the encampment being small, and the soldiers 
were no longer confined within the narrow limits of a parade 
ground for morning drill as at Fort McHenr). They could 
march through the woods, along the shores, across the lots or in 
any direction they pleased. This larger freedom was highl)' ap- 
preciated both by officers and privates. At one tim<' all the 
companies marched out to Back River, five miles, to visit Capt. 
Knapp's command, and the trip was highl)' enjoyed b) all. In 
one instance a few members of Compan) B took rather too much 
license, wandered off, and at last returned to camp under 
guard, were marched oft" to the guard-houst-, but were soon re- 
turned to their quarters. 

In connection with these pleasant trips into the country, the 
boys derived much pleasure from skirmish lirill, an exercise which 
was commenced about this time. I'hc noNclty of the practice 
excited much interest and th(* men gave promise of excelling in this 
department of the service. Thus passed the months of Novem- 
ber and December. 

About the ist of November Company I was ordered from 
Back River to Fort Marshall and thert" it remained nearly two 
months. Just before the order came the company had fitted up 
excellent winter quarters in a new building, and the change was 
something of a disappointnuMit. Company B was sent to relieve 
Company 1 at Back River, and about the same time Company 



6o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

G, at Bush River, was relieved by Company A. These changes 
were not generally agreeable, but were submitted to with as 
good a grace as possible. Lip to this date the following deaths 
and dismissals are noted: 

Company A — Horatio Burdick died October 19th. Company 
B — Altiery K. Matthews, of Killingly, discharged October 12th; 
Amasa Houghton, October 13th, and William H. Austin, De- 
cember 24th. 

Company C — Myron W. Robinson, of Lebanon, discharged 
and enlisted in United States army November 16th; Thomas C. 
Brockway, of Norwich, discharged for disabilit) December 
23d. Other changes noticed elsewhere. 

Company D — Elisha K. Robbins, of Eastford, discharged 
and enlisted in United States army October 14th; Prescot P. 
Curtiss, of Thompson, discharged for disability October 28th. 

Company E — Joel Burdick, of Norwich, discharged August 
26th; Michael Staubly, of Norwich, deserted August 26th; Reu- 
ben P. Douglass, of Colchester, discharged for disabilit)- Decem- 
ber 22d. It was stated elsewhere that Douglass was the oldest 
enlisted man in the regiment, though this was denied by Abner 
F. Bacon, Company B, of Killingly, who claimed this honor. 
Both men were upwards of fifty years of age and each gave noble 
testimonial of unselfish patriotism and courage. George W. 
Rathbun. of Salem, discharged for disability December 23d; 
Sergeant Francis McKeag, of Norwich, promoted to second lieu- 
tenant December 26th. At the same time Capt. Isaac W. Hakes, 
of Norwich, resigned on account of ill health; in whom the com- 
pany lost a good officer, earnest and indefatigable in the forma- 
tion of his company, and in gaining the respect of his men. The 
necessity for his resignation was universally regretted. The 
changes in Company G have been noticed elsewhere. 

Company 1 — Private William Wallace, of Norwich, deserted 
August 2 2d — the first desertion in the reginient and on the very 
day it left the State; William Peter, of Norwich, followed the ex- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 6i 



ample of Wallace, August 30th, at Fort McHt^nry; Herman 
Hills, of Norwich, deserted at the same time; William Hays, 
of Norwich, deserted 1 )ecember 16th. I )esertions seemed to be 
([uite popular among the "Williams" oi this company. |udson 
r. Carpenter, of Mansfield, discharged tor disability December 
23d; Benjamin Linton, of Ciriswold, discharged December 27th. 
It will be seen that but few changes transpired in the regiment 
for the first tour months, while in Baltimore and \icinit)'. In 
nearl)- all cases of death the remains were sent home to the 
triends oi the deceased, and the expenses general!)' defrayed by 
the respective companies. 

January 1st, 1S63, found the Eighteenth Connecticut, e.vcept- 
ing Companies C, G and I, in comfortable winter quarters in the 
places alread)' indicated. The gc-neral health of the regiment 
was good the duty was not excessively hard, the rations were 
satisfactory, and everything pointed to a season of compara- 
tive ease and quietude. All wa;-. quiet along the Potomac. About 
the only incidents that indicated any immediate danger to the 
Union lines were the occasional raids of Stuart's famous ca\alry. 
It was about the last of December that a report gainetl credence 
that Stuart contemplated a descent on the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad and accortlingly on the 30th, Companies C, (i and 1, 
with a detachment Irom other regiments, numliering in all about 
fifteen hundred men, were placed under the command of Col. 
Ely, and ordered up the railroad toward Frederick cit)-. On the 
afternoon of that day, preparation was made for three ilays' 
"light marching orders," and at dark everything was read)-. In a 
driving storm the companies marched through the cit)- to the 
depot of the Baltimore and (Jhio Railroad, were packed into old 
freight cars, and hurried oft in the direction where the trouble 
was expected. Not later than three o'clock the next mornintr the 
cars halted at a place called Mount Air)-, and Company I was 
left on guard there while Companies C and d were taken to 
Monrovia Station, ten miles turtlier on and sixty miles from 



62 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Baltimore. There possession was first taken of some old sheds, 
pickets were thrown out, and all went to work to make themselves 
as comfortable as possible. The night was bitter cold, and the 
men did not hesitate to "borrow" rails, straw, corn-fodder, and 
an\thino that would lielp them to keep warm. Next day the 
command took possession of a Uuaker meeting-house near by, 
and the sheds adjoining — an act which was not particularly pleas- 
ing to the "F"riends" though of course they didn't resist. In the 
meantime the rain had changed to hail and snow, making it ex- 
tremely unpleasant and uncomfortable. Several of the men were 
taken sick and sent back to Baltimore during the day. Rumors 
were rife that the rebels were near, and often fancy saw a coming 
foe in the distance which soon resolved itself into trees or rail 
fences. 

At night orders were given to lay on arms and be ready at a 
moment's warning. The bo)s had been asleep scared)' two 
hours when the order was given, "fall in at doubU; quick," 
and in a moment ever)' man was at his post and ready for- 
action. 

But it was a false alarm, and after standing in line a few mo- 
ments the order came to "break ranks" and the men returned to 
their quarters. Col. Ely complimented the men for the prompt- 
ness and rapidity ot the movement, which, however, was thought 
to have been prompted by a desire to test the readiness of the 
companies in obeying orders. 

On the m.orning of January ist a report was brought in that two 
of the pickets were missing. Of course it was believed they had 
been "gobbled up " by the rebels, and for a little time the excitement 
was great. A proposition was advanced to go in hot pursuit, 
but this plan was soon abandoned after a logical argument by 
Capt. Bromley, who assured his auditors, who gave the closest 
attention during the deliver)' of his speech, that "If the men had 
been captured there was no use in pursuing them, for was it not 
known that Stuart's cavalry were cannibals, who devoured their 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 63 



prisoners, leaving nothing but their buttons. The buttons," he 
su<-''o-ested — if the place could be discovered where the rebels took 
their breakfast — "might be found and sent to their friends, and 
would undoubtedly be a great consolation to them; for," said he, 
feelingly and with much emphasis, "Stuart's cavalry, when they 
eat Yankees, always spit out their buttons." 

Whether this proposed disposition of the matter was the fruit 
of profound wisdom as a military chieftain, or as an experienced 
editor of a newspaper, is wholly immaterial so long as the boys 
seemed perfectly satisfied that the question was settled beyond 
a doubt. The missing pickets, however, soon returned, "buttons 
and all," having found friends instead of enemies, and in place of 
bein^-r eaten had themselves eaten a sumptuous breakfast at the 
house of a Union farmer not far away. Under the circumstances 
there is no doubt that both companies would have been greatly 
pleased to have been taken prisoners in the same manner. Warm, 
home-like breakfasts were a rarity in those times that were highly 
appreciated. 

At Mount Airy, Company I had various experiences being 
left about a half mile above the dejiot, near a high embankment, 
in a strange country, and so intensely dark that there was nothing 
to do but to wait for daylight. Capt. Knapp rolled himself up 
in his blankets, and slept about an hour, when he awoke nearly 
frozen and found his men trying to make themseUes comfortable 
by a large fire. "Ed. .Spalding" handed him a cup of coffee "red 
hot," which with the fire outside finall)' warmed him up. Some 
of the company struck off in the dark, found farm houses, gained 
admission, and took comfortable possession. Almost every 
family in the place were rebels, but Capt. Knapp discovered 
one Union man who fully acquainted him with the situation 
and pointed out a large barn near by which the command 
could confiscate for a short time for military purposes. The 
owner was seen and the inquiry made if he would clean 
it out for the Yankees. He was disinclined to compl)'. "Very 



64 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



well," replied Capt. Knapp, "I will do it for you as I have plenty 
of help." The rebel thereupon took the hint and despatched 
about a dozen negroes to remove tlie hay and straw, and after 
the work had l)een completed Company I "moved in." The 
captain told the boys that they must have a stove. Some of 
them, in a short ramble, had already discovered one in a black- 
smith's shop, about two miles away. A hand-car near by was at 
once apjjropriated to convey the stove to headquarters. The 
situation soon assumed a pleasanter aspect, the Hoor having 
been covered about one foot thick with clean straw, making 
a soft laed for the night. The next morning Capt. Knapp 
had four invitations to breakfast, the citizens having concluded 
that it would be for their interest to show every attention to 
the Union boys and especially to the officers. While Company 
I was getting along so satisfactorily that New-Year's morning. 
Company C and G were undergoing another little excitement. 
A picket had discovered some cavalry on the road, whereupon 
he had fired his gun and run for the post, leaving his com- 
rades "fast asleep. " The companies were hurried into line of 
battle and thus they awaited the onset. At last the detachment 
made its appearance, but proved to be friends with a dispatch 
for Col. Kl)- that he return with his command to Baltimore. The 
deserted sentinels slept calml)' through the entire proceeding. 
The evening of the same day tound Company C at Fort 
Marshall again, and Companies I and G in camp near -Stewart's 
woods, at the termination of West Baltimore Street. The trip 
on the whole had been novel and e.xciting and the source ot no 
little merriment to all who participated in its varied scenes. 
It was the most active service these companies had seen, and 
looked a little more like war than anything they had encoun- 
tered before. Companies I and G remained at Stewart's woods 
about two months, and while there an incident occurred which 
nearly resulted in the death of a Union soldier, a member of 
Battery L, United .States artillery, attached to the same com- 




Surgeon, CHA5. M. CARLETCH. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 65 

mand, under Maj. Chalfin. Some of the roughs of this battery 
had long been boasting that they could run the guard of the 
countrymen-soldiers and no picket could prevent them. Thus it 
happened that one night a sergeant of the battery named, who 
was on his way from the city intoxicated, attempted to cross 
the beat of private Daniel Donahue, who promptly challenged 
him and demanded the countensign. The sergeant could not, or 
would not give it, and attempted to run the guard. Donahue 
immediately charged upon him and in the scuffle that ensued the 
sergeant was shot — the contents of Donahue's musket, consisting of 
a Minie-ball, and wooden gun-plug two and one half inches in 
length, passing completely through his body. He was pronounced 
mortally wounded by the surgeon, but he lived and finally recov- 
ered. Donahue was immediately promoted for the fearless 
manner in which he discharged his duty, and thereafter Battery 
L obeyed orders, though coming from a guard of "countrymen- 
soldiers." 

After the raid up the Baltimore and Ohiu road, the Eighteenth 
was employed in the same manner as before at Fort Marshall, 
and "up the road" duty was not very hard. The boys found much 
of interest and pleasure to render their situation tolerable if not 
altogether desirable. The chapel services at the fort were well 
attended, for a while at least, and more or less religious interest 
was manifested. Chaplain Cooper furnished the chapel with 
singing books from the avails of one of his lectures in the city. 

"Our life," says a correspondent, writing from Fort Marshall, 
"was rather monotonous, but still we enjoyed it better than we 
expected, as we had greater privileges and more libert)- than had 
been allowed in Fort McHenry. We had a debating society and 
singing school: the latter under the direction of Albert C. 
Green, assisted by several musicians, and which was held in 
the chapel tent." Altogether these exercises were o^ service to 
all who enjoyed them and are remembered with interest and 
satisfaction. 



66 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

The sa%e currespondent orives the following graphic description 
of Company C's lirst fight, in which he writes: "As our trip to 
Monrovia may be regarded as the first active service we had 
experienced, so may Fort Marshall be noted as the place where 
we first bled for our country. 

"Company C occupied barracks under the fort. One night, no 
sooner had taps sounded and lights were out than the foe was 
upon us: not singly nor in pairs, but in multitudes and droves. 
Countless as the stars, innumerable as the forest leaves and 
blood-thirsty as the gallinippers that inhabit the swamps of 
Florida. 

"We were attacked in front and in rear, and being completely 
surrounded found it impossible to retreat and impossible to at- 
tempt a flank movement. We, therefore, determined to fight; and 
fight we did with every conceivable weapon that could be brought 
to bear. We fought with fire and gunpowder, red-hot ram-rods 
and bayonets. Men plunged fearlessly into every cranny and 
crack. 

"Myriads of the highly perfumed varmints were slain. Still we 
foLtght on determined to conquer, but the contest was an un- 
equal one. The reinforcements of the enemy were larger than 
ours and we were at last forced to succumb. Some of the men 
were badly demoralized, particularly one of the musicians (Gager) 
who, after being driven from bunk to bunk and from one end of 
the barracks to the other, was forced to entrench himself upon 
one end of a long table where he was comparatively free from the 
assaults of the rebels." 

It is believed that other companies were subjected to frequent 
attacks from the same inveterate foes of the Yankees, and that 
they fought with equal bravery and pertinacity as did Company 
C on the memorable occasion referred to, but we are compelled 
to say with no greater success. 

(~)ther incidents were frequent during raids, though unattended 
by .special danger to life or limb, which resulted in no little loss to 
commissary and quartermaster's department. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 67 



At Havre-de-Cirace life with Company K kept the even tenor 
of its way. All was quiet on the Susquehanna until Christmas, 
when there was a period of no little excitement. Bo.xes of good 
things had arri\ed that morning from loved ones at home, the 
contents of which did much towards perfecting the enjoyments 
of the da)'. It was a holiday indeed; the boys had become 
hungry for home food, and the "movement" by which turkeys, 
chickens, pies, and cakes of various descriptions disappeared was 
quicker than "double-quick." At the same time the kind-hearted 
ladies of Havre-de-Grace perfected a fine entertainment for the 
inmates of the soldiers' hospital, in which a long table, loaded 
with turkeys, chickens, ducks, roast pork, pies, and cakes of various 
kinds, with a dessert of apples, almonds and candy, was prepared 
for the patients. Everything was furnished in profusion and ex- 
cellent taste, and the spread was highly appreciated by those in 
whose interest it was provided. Among the principal ladies who 
were the authors of this pleasant entertainment, the names of 
Mrs. Tropnal, Wells, McCarkey, Mitchell, and the two Misses 
Mitchell appear, and will always be remembered with gratitude 
by the inmates of the hospital and the members of Com- 
pany K. 

Another incident occurred about this time of a more startling 
character, but we are disposed to allow a correspondent of the 
Windham County Transcript to tell the story: 

"A Mr. Taylor, of .Sterling, came out on a visit to his two sons 
in this company accompanied by a Miss Philena Ladd. a\oung 
lady of their acquaintance. It so happened that the old gen- 
tleman, William .A.. Ta\'lor, one of his boys, the young lady, 
and our chaplain were all in a room together, and the conse- 
quence was that before the party broke up it was acknowledged 
that 

Whoever says our chaplain's bad 

Is nothing but a railer; 
Into that room she went a Ladd; 
He brought her out a — Taylor. 



68 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The next evening the bridegroom came down to his tent with a 
pail full of good cider, and a large pan of apples, flanked with a 
bunch of cigars, and these, mixed with singing, extempore 
speeches, toasts, etc., caused the evening to pass quicklj- and 
pleasantl)-. For the newly wedded pair we wish a long life and a 
happy one, and may their children be'like the blessings of God — 
neither few nor small." 

We turn from this pleasant occurrence to record one of a sad 
and painful character. On December 26th Sergeant Walter 
Young, while on his way back from the ferry boat to his quarters, 
was shot in the leg by the reckless sentinel on guard, who was 
under the influence of liquor, and who afterward admitted with 
tears that there was no reason for his act. The wounded man 
lived only about two weeks. Sergeant Young was an estimable and 
faithful soldier, highly esteemed by his comrades and his untimely 
death casta gloom over the spirits of the whole company. His 
body was sent home to friends in Killingly for burial and subse- 
quently the following resolutions were passed by his company: 

"Whereas, unwelcome death has visited our company and by a 
most calamitous accident taken from us our highly esteemed 
comrade, Sergeant Walter Young, we have, as our feelino-s 
prompted, unanimousl\- adopted the following resolutions: 

"Resolved, that in the death of -Sergeant Walter Youno- we 
have lost a kind and genial comrade, a favorite among all, while 
the service has lost a brave and judicious soldier, who had proved 
himself equal to any trust or emergency. 

"Resolved, that his hjrtitude under severest suffering, and his 
calmness in view of death, arc convincing proofs that his was the 
highest type of moral courage and Christian faith. 

"Resolved, that we extend to the bereaved wife and children our 
profound sympathy and regard. Their sorrow will be deep and 
long, but He who for wise purposes ordered the affliction has 
promised to be the husband of the widow, and a father to the 
fatherless. 



CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



"Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the 
estimable wife of our lamented comrade, and that a copy also be 
furnished to the Windham County Transcript." 

A correspt)ndent of Company B endeavors to ha\e it appear 
that the company was quite successful in a battle with the (rat) 
r<-bels at Hack Ri\er and avers that a terrible slau^j^hter was 
made in the ranks ot the rnem\ ; that in the space of two hours 
the numbrr o\ the slain amounted to one hundred and seventy- 
five, weighing- one pound apiece, and when placed in line 
measured one hundred and seventy-nine feet. We cheerfully 
make the record. "Honor to whom honor," etc. 

To many readers these laughable incidents maj' seem lioht 
and trifling, and hardly worthy a place in history; nevertheless 
they are a part of the e.\periences of the soldier, almost indispen- 
sable in the "hum-drum" monotony which is always the pest of 
military life. Company B had many pleasant e.xperiences at 
Back River during the winter, though the health of the company 
was not so good asat Fort McHenry, the chief sickness beino colds, 
which were common in all the companies on the line of the road 
and at I-'ort Marshall. 

Considerable religious interest prevailed for a time. Meetino-s 
were held in the barracks ever)- Sabbath evening, and the mem- 
bers of the company at libert)- attended and showed interest in 
the e.xercises of singing, prayer and e.xhortations b\' their com- 
rades. As the chaplain spent niost of his time at Baltimore, 
Lieut. E. I). Carpenter conducted tiie services with ability and 
evident satisfaction to all. Fhe morale of the company was 
good and under the vigilant care of Capt. Bates, a model disci- 
plinarian, great proficiency was made in the practical knowledge 
of the tactics. The presence of Maj. Keach too, who visited 
camp generally every week, was alwa\s greeted with evident 
pleasure. A correspondent says of him that "He was a good and 
kind officer and all the men in the regiment respect him and have 
unbounded confidence in him." 



70 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



It is the universal testimony that all the companies along the 
road were under excellent discipline at this time, a fact that speaks 
well for the character of their respective commanders and co-or- 
dinates. Company D, especially, won "golden opinions" at Stem- 
mers Run. On the 6th of January, when the company was or- 
dered to report at Fort Marshall, the inhabitants expressed deep 
regret at their departure. One of them saying as they left the 
Run: "I'm sorry to have you leave; you behaved finely, disturbed 
none; and are the best company ever at this station." A 
few days before they left, a man called Colonel .Slater, genial in 
his address and his professions plausible, who lived about seven 
miles distant, drove up to the company's quarters and presented 
Capt. Joseph Matthewson with a fine pair of ducks. This 
was the same man, however, on whose premises Company H (as 
before stated) captured twenty-four cases of contraband goods, 
consisting of various articles for the use of rebels, to aid them in 
carrying on the war against the Union. It is possible that under the 
labors of Capt. Bowen he became a convert to the cause, if not 
willingly yet by constraint; and his polite attentions at this time 
may be considered the evidence of his conversion. Company H, 
with D, repaired to Fort Marshall oh the 9th of the month, 
and were cjuartered in barracks; jet both companies longed for 
their old quarters which- were more comfortable. 

At this time Col. Ely had Companies C, D and H under his 
immediate command at Fort Marshall; also a detachment of the 
Fifth New York artillery and a regiment of New York infantry. 
About the last of this month a dreary rain storm of several days' 
duration came on and the men on guard fully realized the 
miseries of a Southern winter. 

Company E, at Perryville, had a little excitement at about the 
same time. At this place the rebel spirit was still rampant, and one 
night a sentinel of Company E was knocked down at his post, 
choked and left for dead, where he was found by the next relief 
guard. Two men named Brown and Price were arrested and 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 71 



thrown into the guard house on suspicion that they were con- 
nected with the outrage; but the facts did not come out. About 
February ist the weather was reported as colder than at any 
other time during the winter, and not after were the sentinels 
found asleep on duty as they had to keep in a brisk motion to 
prevent being frozen, to promote digestion, antl free circulation 
of the blood. After a few days, however, the weather moder- 
ated, and the remainder of the month was comparatively pleas- 
ant. 

The routine of drill and guard duty continued at Fort Marshall; 
the only variety in the former being the march through the 
streets of Baltimore for the purpose of reminding the city rebels 
that their masters were not far away. The chapel tent remained 
open. Meetings were held in it on Sunday and Thursday eve- 
nings by the chaplain. A debating club met on Wednesday 
evening, and on Friday a union bible class. At all these times this 
tent was op-^n to the members of the different companies as a read- 
ing room, and which was supplied with tables and seats for such 
as wished to write away from the noise of the barracks. This 
privilege was highly appreciated by many. Surgeon Carleton, 
who had been for sometime at Havre-de-Grace, was ordered 
to this post, and Surgeon Hough took his place. Two companies 
of the Fifth New York artillery went on the 4th, leaving only six 
companies on duty, and thus the amount of service was increased 
for each company. 

On February 12th Governor Buckingham visited Companies I 
and G at Stuart's woods and received a warm welcome. At eight 
o'clock the next day he visited the fort, and received a salute from 
the guard, after which he invited the boys to shake hands with 
him, for said he: "You are all my boys." The boys were not slow 
in accepting the invitation. After a short address to the new 
guard, at guard mounting, he visited the hospital. 

Governor Buckingham's visit was gratifying to the whole 
regiment and a pleasure and an encouragement. It was timely; 



72 EIGHTEENTH REGIMEN! 



it revived the spirits of the boys who had become discontented 
with their hum-drum hfe, and the governor was hailed everywhere 
with great enthusiasm. It was a pleasure to the regiment to 
know that he was even passing by on the cars, and most heartily 
did they cheer the trains. They felt that he was the soldier's 
friend and would do all in his power for their comfort and en- 
couragement. 

On February loth a correspondent of the regiment wrote: "Gov- 
ernor Buckingham has the sympathy of the soldiers," and, in 
view of the fact of his being a candidate for re-election, he adds, 
"and were they not unjustly disfranchised he would have their 
votes. He is the soldier's friend, and all he could do for them, 
and for the honor of his .State, he has done; no deeper stain can 
fall on the yet unsullied honor of the State than his defeat." Pol- 
itics ran high in the Eighteenth Connecticut from this time until 
after the first Monday in April following; nearly every man in the 
regiment manifesting the deepest interest in the result. 

Subsequently meetings were held, stirring ' speeches made, 
earnest resolutions passed, and the canvass was earnest and lively. 
Letters by the score were forwarded to the papers and to friends 
in Eastern Connecticut urging the friends of the general govern- 
ment to arouse and see to it that Buckingham was re-elected by 
a rousing majority. "May the time never come,'' wrote one, "when 
the people of Connecticut shall show by their votes that they fail 
to appreciate his noble and patriotic endeavors to assist in putting 
down this wicked Rebellion." These words convey an idea of the 
feeling that was manifested in the regiment on this question at an 
early period. Later, it was written: "The coming election in 
our -State excites a lively interest here. More than nine-tenths 
oi the men are strongly in favor of Buckingham, and of prosecut- 
ing the war with vigor until the Rebellion is put down and the star 
spangled banner waves triumphant throughout the length and 
breadth of our land. 

"Voters of Connecticut! while we are absent in the service of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 73 



our country let not the friends of traitors be elected to any office. 
and let not our beloved State prove untrue to the cause for which 
we came forth at the peril of our lives." 

We here insert special mention of the action of Company B, 
which indicates the spirit of the regiment generally. One evenino- 
at roll call the members of this compan)' resolved themselves 
into a town meeting to oi\e e\j)ression of their feelings in relation 
to the approaching election in Connecticut, with the following 
result: iJuckingham. ,S4; .Se_\inour o. .A tew soldiers remained 
neutral. 

A committee, consisting of Lieut. Carpenter, (_)rderl)' Amesbury, 
\} . B. Scofield, Corporal Lee and Allen Clark, was appointed to 
draft a series of resolutions, and the following were submitted and 
adopted: "We. the meml)ers of Compan\- B. Flighteenth Con- 
necticut \ oluntcers, having a deep interest in the election about 
to take place in Connecticut, and Ijeing deprived of the privilege 
of voting, do desire to e.xpress our views and feelings in the fol- 
lowing declaiatinn. to wit: 

"W e In-liexc we lett our homes and friends hut for one purpose, 
that ol putting down a wicked and causeless Rebellion against one 
of the best goxernments in the world, and until that is accom- 
plished we cannot abate one jot or tittle in our earnest endeavors 
to sustain the government of the I'nited States to the bitter end. 
Our deepest feelings and earnest desires are for |)eace founded 
upon righteousness, justice and humanit\ :^ but the peace some 
would have, to be obtained b)- the government laxing dowm their 
arms while armed rebels menace us. we have no s\-mpath\' for. 
We look lor the niost earnest and lasting jieacr b)- a \-igorous 
prosecution (jf the war, and not, in the language of Thomas H. 
Se^'uiour, b)' a vigorous prosecution of peace. .And as .said Sey- 
mour has in no \\a>-, either b_\ word, sympathy or deed, done 
an\ thing to rncourage or support the government in the prosecu- 
tion of the war, but has on the contrarj- opposed the war from 
the start; we, therefore, look with the deepest regret upon any 



74 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



prospect )f his election to the governorship of the State of 
Connecticut, believing it would tend to discourage our own gov- 
ernment, and encourage rebels, when they are evidently at their 
last resort. In William A. Buckingham we recognize a man 
who has with his whole soul entered upon the work of sustaining 
the government in every possible way, and has given his time 
and money without stint towards the suppression of the Rebellion. 
We, therefore, regard him as the best man to aid the government 
in this trying time of the nation's peril, and would support him 
by our votes were we at home to vote. We earnestly ask all who 
have any regard for us as soldiers not to support a man who will 
embarrass the government. 

Signed, Geor(;e Torrf.v, Chairman. 

An.son WnnEV. Secretary." 

Capt. Bates then added a few remarks, "pithy, patriotic and to 
the point," at the close of which he called for three rousing cheers 
for Governor Buckingham, which were given with a will amid the 
greatest enthusiasm. 

This action, with reference to the political preferences to the 
Eighteenth Connecticut, was not instigated by mere partisan 
feeling, or by a desire to promote the interests of political aspir- 
ants to office. Men of different political creeds before the war 
were a unit in denouncing Secession and in the determination to 
support the war for the Union. The party at home, wliatever 
its name, that supported the general government was their party; 
the party opposed was their enemy, and as soldiers they fought 
against it with their pens, while they stood ready to attack the 
foe in front with their arms. The volunteers of 1862 were of 
sturdy material, true as steel, and whether in victor)- or defeat, 
unyielding in their attachment to public men who stood tirml)- b)- 
the government. 

Six months had passed away since the Eighteenth left Con- 
necticut, and the prospect of a speedy close of the war was by no 
means flattering. "It looks now as though ^W3 should stay 




Surgeon LOWELL HOLBROOK. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 75 



three years, in-stead of being home in three months, which was 
the hopeful anticipation of some when we left the .State," 
thus dolefulK- wrote a correspondent. February wore slowly 
away. The order of exercises was nearly the same as at the first 
of the service. The duty of one company was mainly the duty 
of all. The first thing in the morning was the "reveille," a 
■•duet" performrd on the fife and drum. These instruments were 
generally denominated "spirit stirring," but it was rather a body 
stirring sound, because when the shrill strains were heard every- 
one was obliged to leave his bed of straw, don his suit of blue, 
and in ten minutes be in readiness for taps. Then the order 
"fall in" was given, and presently the men stood in two ranks; 
after a few maneuvers, the orderly began calling the roll, first 
with the non-commissioned officers, and then with the privates in 
alphabetical order, each one present answering here. This con- 
cluded, the order was given "right face, break ranks, march," and 
a simultaneous charge was made on the cook-room for breakfast, 
which occurred between seven and eight o'clock A. M. Some- 
times military order was not strictly observed, the boys rushing 
in "pell-mell," and seizing the difterent dishes set before them and 
bearing them away to their quarters to be consumed in undis- 
turbed security. The kinti of food most generally disliked was 
mule beef, and that which gave the best satisfaction was pork and 
beans — baked as enchantingly as ever were baked at home. 
The remainder of the meal consisted oi a loaf of good bread, 
and coffee to wash it down. Occasionally there was chickor)' 
instead of coffee, but it was the general opinion that Uncle -Sam was 
not himself when he bought it. There was plenty of fun and rough 
pleasantr)' at all the meals. The cry, hot coffee, or more coffee, 
with an occasional outward application of the same, and the out- 
bursts of merriment or wrath will not soon be forgotten, or cease 
to provoke a smile. After breakfast came the sick call — an orderly 
going the rounds taking the names of all those who considered 
.themselves unfit for duty, and then in solemn procession march- 



76 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



inj4 them to the hospital, or the surgeons' headquarters, where 
they were questioned and examined and got the usual dose, or 
were sent to the hospital as the case might require. The next 
thing in order was "guard mounting." The men detailed for this 
business, at the tap of the drum, would don their equipments, 
seize their guns, and with fixed bayonets salh forth, and as their 
names were called take their places in line; then the)' were passed 
over to the tender mercies of a sergeant who inspected their arms 
and saw that everything was right, after which they were sent to 
their respective posts of dut\-. .Shortly after guard mounting, 
when the weather permitted, came the "fall in for drill," which 
was marching in diHtrent shapes and forms — coming to right 
shoulder shift, jjarade rest, charge ba\onets, t<:c., till the ideas of 
some became decidedly muddled. 

The grand event of the day was dinner. The tap of the 
drum brought tlown the camp into the cook-room again, and none 
but a hungry man could fairh appreciate its attractions. At this 
meal there was pork, beef, antl generalK potatoes. Three times 
a week there was beefsteak, sometimes tender and good, but at 
other times older and tougher than the nineteenth century. It 
is needless to say that many jokes were cracked at the expense 
of the "animal," antl there was much speculation as to the man- 
ner in which his last da\s were spent. It is no wonder that two 
hours were re()uired for digesting before resuming drill in the 
afternoon, which in general was the same as in the mornincr- 

At five o'clock F. M. came dress parade. This was a kind of 
recapitulation of what had been learned through the day, and, 
as in a "country school on examination day," the boys had to 
don their best, with white gloves, "chokers," and shining boots, 
making an imposing ajjpearance. The "chokers" deserve spec- 
ial notice. They were furnished by the government, and were 
strips of harness leather two and one-half inches wide for which 
the men had to pay ten cents. The onl)' ornament they bore 
was an iron buckle, and were very comfortabJe-^when off. It is 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 77 



said when first received the men were very proud of them, and 
strutted about hke a boy with a new jacket. Some of them, how- 
ever, felt so grateful that they wished that the donors might be 
allowed to wear them as a "mark of honor" as long as the)' lived. 
Of course at dress parade the "chokers" were of service in com- 
pelling the boys to hold up their heads and look h.\eill\- straioht 
ahead. These "neck-ties" accounted in part tor this fine ap- 
pearance on parade. Parade dismissed there was antjther rush 
for private quarters where preparations were made for supper, 
which was serxed aX. about half-past five o'clock. It consisted 
sometimes ot rice and molasses, or cold meat and bread, and 
sometimes the stall ol life stood solitar) and alone on the table. 
With this meal there was generall)' tea or coftee. The success 
in obtaining "extras" of the citizens in country about camp de- 
pended on the amount of greenbacks among the soldiers. Milk, 
butter and poultr\ could lie obtaineil lor mone)' and occasionally 
as a gift. 

Evening roll being over the day's work was done; soon after 
the drums beat, lights were put out and old Morpheus took com- 
mand of all except along the guard-line. 

On .Suntla\' the usual drills were omitted, but there was a gen- 
eral inspection in the forenoon and dress parade in the afternoon. 
The soldier is supposed to carry all his propert) in his knapsack, 
and at inspection the contents of this "back institution" are in- 
spected. When the boys opened their knapsacks and spread 
out their contents the scene reminded f)ne of a string of peddlers 
exhibiting their goods for sale. At the same time there was a 
general inspection of arms and ammunition after the men had 
passed in review to see if their legs were all right. On the 
whole the inspection was cjuite an exciting affair, and ri^dit o-lad 
were the men when it was over. 

The members of the different companies will recall with no 
little pleasure the lively times at target practice — the "wild shots" 
.and "good, shots," and when the target sometimes was shot all 



78 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



to pieces. The companies were marched to some "by place" 
and there in turn all would Ma/e away with the purpose to per- 
fect theniseK'es in the art of hitting the en<-niy. It is a ipiestion, 
however, whether the best marksman at the target was the best 
shot in battle, on account of the "peculiar agitation" that is likely 
to occur in the presence ot immediate dan^i^er. "Circumstances 
alter cases." 

On F"ebruary 5th 'Ed." Niles was sent to Fort Marshall to 
stand trial for manslaughter. 

On Febr'.iary 17th the paymaster came with two months pay. 
These vvere important events. 

The pay was $26. There were few who looked upon "soldier- 
ing" as especially lucrative in the light of the proceeds. At 
home most of the men could have earned three times that 
amount. Uncle .Sam could not afford to pa\' big wages. 

About the 20th an e.vciting affair occurred at Conewingo 
bridge, where a squad of Company H was stationed. .A sergeant 
and four men sallied forth to arrest a deserter and was attacked 
by twenty or thirty rebel citizens, who, after a lively set-to, over 
powered our boys and lodged them in jail. A correspondent, 
writin"- from Fort Marshall, bebruary ist, relates an incident that 
caused great sadness among the three companies there. Ac- 
cording to his account: "Maj. Gen. Butler, accompanied by 
Gen. Schenck, their staff otffcers, the mayor of Baltimore and a 
portion of the city council, visited the fort last Thursday, escorted 
by a company of cavalry, one of which belonged to the First 
Connecticut battalion. A sad accitlent cast a gloom overall, and 
they returned to the city with sorrowing hearts. As the visitors 
were walking upon the ramparts of the fort during the firing of 
the salute in honor of their arri\al. Capt. Woodhull, of the 
United States navy, stepped in front of one of the guns at the 
instant of its discharge, and was so terribly injured that he lived 
but a \q\\ moments. The charge took effect in the legs, and he 
was thrown about thirty feet down an embankment iifteen feet 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 79 



hiijh. His son. who was on (^.rn. Schenck's staff, was present 
and witnessed the teri-il)ie accident. His i^rief may be better 
imagined than descrilx-d. Capt. Woodhull had falU-n about thirty 
feet to the rear of tlie party and was in the act of regaining his 
position when the fal.il occurrence look |)hicc. Xo blame was 
attached to the ofhcrr in ch.ugc ol the baiter)." 

Previous to this disaster (".en. ImhIit had reviewed the troops 
in the fort, and made them a speech which was well received. 

On February 25111 (n-n. Rosseau, of Kentucky, passed over 
the road, "an out-and-out six-foot<-r.' as one of Company K. of the 
relief guard on the ferry boat at Havre-de-Grace, styled him; 
adding at the same lime. ".Max ihc slar of his patriotism never 
wane." Company K had a better opi)orlunity of seeing the big 
generals as they passed o\er the road, as six of their number 
were on dut\- daily as a special guanl to Icjok alter deserters. 
But they did not disturb many of stars and shoulder-straps. 

The affair at Conewingo bridge ended satisfactorily after all; 
Sergeant Spencer, with a ]josse of men, rescuing the soldiers 
from the rebel citizens on the evening of the day of the capture. 
There is no doubt thai the course of such rebel citizens, who 
were too cowardl)' to tight opeulw pre)longed the war, as it retjuired 
a large force Kju.UcIi ihi-m, which might have l)een employed 
to better advantage at the front. The rebel force in the rear, 
reaching back to Canada, ga\ e our government a world of trouble. 
Al)oul ihe last of l''ebruar\ Companies 1 and (. were ordered 
from Stewart's wui>ds to Fori McHenry. 1 )uriug the latter |jart 
of their slay at .Stewart's woods, Capt. Knapp was in command, 
Maj. Chaltin, of the i'iflh L'nited States artillery, being ordered 
to serve on a court martial in the cil\. At this lime another 
down-east snow storm made its appearance, the snow being about 
ten inches det-p. a freezing cold, but it did not tarry long under 
the influence of a M.irylaiul sun. \e\l, several companies were 
made glad by the presence of home friends —Messrs. Aniesbur\-, 
Jencks, Blanchard, W. L. Danielsoii and William James, Esq., of 



8o EIGHTEENTH REGIMEN! 



Killing] V. who are interesting themselves in the welfare of their 
soldiers. In addition to other kindly offices performed by these 
gentlemen, they carried home to the friends of Companies B 
and K large amounts of money received on the State bounty 
checks free of charge, thus saving the friends or the soldiers 
much trouble and not a little expense. Mr. Amesbury took about 
$800 and Mr. Danielson $1000 in checks. This act was a very 
generous one, the gentlemen going many miles out of their 
way to deliver the money. All the checks were taken to New 
Haven and cashed at the State department. 

Messrs. Green, Sawyer and McClellan, of Woodstock, paid 
the Windham County boys a visit at about the same time. And, 
best of all. the wives of man) of the men took upon themselves 
the responsibility to come and look alter the wants ol their lords 
now in blue clothes, and ascertain how Uncle .Sam was using 
them. Their coming was a source of great mutual enjoyment. 
On March 4th Chaplain Cooper resigned on account of the ill 
health of his family, and returned to his home in New London. 
It hardl)' seemed right that the regiment should be deprived of 
the services of a chaplain at such a time, and yet it was thought 
by some that the regiment was so scattered and liroken up that 
it would be difficult for one to be of much service; others argued 
that on this account they needed a chaplain all the more, and he 
could be all the more useful. The chaplain, b)- establishing a 
"Methodist circuit," and visiting the tlifferent cunii^anics in regu- 
lar order and holding religious ser\ices, might ilo much for the 
benefit ot the men in keeping up their courage and spirits in 
cheerful endurance. There was general!)' a difference of opin- 
ion about chaplains as well as al)out other officers. With some 
companies they were in favor, with others not. Their office was 
regarded b)' some as nec<'ssar) , b)' others as unnecessar). 

( )n March <^X.\\ Second .Assistant .Surgeon Hough resigned and 
returned to Tuln.irii. He had been \'er) .iltenlixe to the duties 
of his position, kind .uid faithful, and nc\'er wanting in sympa- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. %\ 



thy lor the sick of his charge. Those under his immediate care 
cherish grateful remembrances of him. He was a sincere and 
thorough Union man, and had no resjject for men who proved 
unfaithful in the important trusts committed to them in the name 
of their government. 

Another incident occurred aliout this time which was the cause 
of no little merriment among these boys immediately concerned 
in the case of a "Pike" and a "Raker," and the results that were 
developed. 

Miss Eunice Baker, from Wauregan, visited Havre-de-Cirace 
in search of a "Pike" whose given name was John, who wished to 
confer with Miss Eunice Baker on interesting business. The up- 
shot was, that John and Eunice were soon pronounced husband 
and wife. In view of which a correspondent, of the Transcript, 
perpetrated the following: — "Eish grow to an enormous size 
down here, some kinds are over six feet long and capable of 
taking a common sized person at a meal. A young lady who 
came out here on a visit met with this sad fate which one of the 
boys immortalized in the following: 'Miss Baker came to our 
town to see how she would like. But the poor ladv, soon — alas 
was swallowed by a Pike.' May the life and happiness of our 
friend be as long as his body corporate." 

On March 19th Company K received another testimonal of 
regard from the citizens of Havre-de-Grace. They were treated, 
fifty in all, to a "Duck dinner," temptingly cooked — an act of 
generosity that originated with Capt. Galloway who had re- 
ceived aid from other parties friendly to the Union soldiers. 
One of the company wrote in his journal on the following night: 
"Company K will always remember with gratitude these men. 
May their lives be as long and happy as their deeds are patri- 
otic." 

Company I had just fitted up good (juarters in an old ordi- 
nance building at Fort McHenry, and lived in clover for a short 
time but their tjuarters took fire one night and burned up with 



82 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



everything in them. Capt. Knapplost everything, the company's 
books and papers, leaving him nothing but the clothes he had 
on. This was a heavy loss and sorely felt. During this month 
Col. Ely was president of a court martial at Fort McHenry, 
Capt. Bromley, judge advocate, and Capts. Matthewson Com- 
pa.>-,- K., Warner Company G, and others were members of the 
court. DeLaroo Wilson, Company C, was clerk. This court sat 
for some time and did much important business. A similar pro- 
ceeding was held during the fall season while the headquarters 
of the regiment were at Fort Marshall, and Col. Ely and several 
of the line officers were prominent in the court. Col. Ely being 
president. 

Col. Graham, of the New York Fifth artillery, was in com- 
mand at I'ort Marshall a part of the time during Col. lily's 
absence. How long these courts were in session, or what aiuount 
of business they did we have not been able to ascertain. It is 
certain, however, that several officers of the Eigtueenth were 
members of both courts and acquitted themselves with ability 
and dignitv. The part which these officers were called to per- 
form in this position was considered at the time an honor to the 
regiment. 

More recruits were wanted. Accordingly Capt. Bromley, 
Company C; Corporal I'Veeman, Company C and Sergeant 
Aldrich, Company 13 returned to Eastern Connecticut to make an- 
other draft on the patriotism of the people. It was thought that 
the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers could offer inducements 
for recruits equal to, if not greater than that of an)- other regiment 
in the State. Among other advantages were enumerated good 
officers and men, good quarters and rations and above all a good 
situation. "Come then — said correspondent F. H. W. — Wind- 
ham County patriots and join our ranks. We welcome you as 
brothers and from "concjuering to conquer" 

"We'll go marching along." 

Political feeling continued to run high and a strong feeling of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



indignation was created by the reported speeches of X^allandino-- 
ham and Wood in favor of the election ol Thomas H. Seymour 
governor of Connecticut. As the time of election was near the ex- 
citement increased in proportion. "What are the Union men of 
Connecticut thinking of to let such foul treason pollute their 
soil." We invite the trio of traitors to repeat their words here," 
wrote the Transcript detachment. 

The work of recruiting had never prospered much. The draft 
was resorted to, and Capt. Bromley who had been honorably dis- 
charged, was appointed provost marshal with his headquarters 
at Norwich, and the draft went on. 

April 1st, Col. Ely returned home on a ten days' furlouoh 
and Col. Nichols was left in command. Ten men from each of 
the companies at Fore Marshall, fifteen each from the companies 
at Fort McHenry and about twenty each from some of the com- 
panies up the road were selected by their captains for furlou<.dis 
at the same time, the object being no doubt to allow the Eigh- 
teenth a voice in the Connecticut State election. This was a oreat 
privilege to the fortunate ones but there was dissatisfaction re- 
garding the men selected. 

Many of the regiment had been enlisted onl\ a day or two 
before going into Camp Aiken at Norwich, with the promise 
that they were to have furlough of several da)s before leaving 
the .State. This was not granted them except for a few hours 
and man)- were obliged to leave their home affairs in an un- 
settled state. The dissatisfaction arose on the supposition that 
a proper discrimination had not been made on the part of some 
of the officers, young men without families being permitted to 
return, while men with families and whose presence was needed 
at home for the above reason were compelled to remain. No one 
thing up to this time created so much ill-feeling in the regiment 
as this offical act. 

But the presence of the paymaster again with two months pay 
operated toward making peace, and good humor again prevail- 



84 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



ed. "The boys," sajsa correspondent, "are feeling better," and 
another correspondent adds, "our captain is giving passes to the 
city to those who had no opportunity to go home; we have music 
and other amusements to pass away the time and our lot is com- 
paratively an easy one." 

The first week in April there was great excitement over the 
Connecticut election. The re-election of Governor Bucking- 
ham by about 2,500 majority, was a source of great joy to the 
Eighteenth. The members of the regiment who were at home, 
contributed not a little to this most desirable result. We find 
this record in the Killingly Transcript: "Col. Ely of the Eigh- 
teenth regiment, with others, spoke at Union Hall, Danielson- 
ville, Saturday evening. He eloquently and forcibly urged the 
people not to discourage the soldiers by electing an nnti-war man 
as governor of the State, and they haven't." 

The following week the ladies and gentlemen of Danielson- 
ville, manifested their interest in the soldiers of the Eighteenth 
and others, by giving them a collation at Union Hall to which 
the families of the soldiers were also invited and who attended 
in large numbers. It was a decidedly pleasant affair. Members 
of the Eighteenth at home on a furlough in other towns, in 
Windham and New London counties, were recipients of similar 
demonstrations, while at the same time the boys in the front 
were cheering for William A. Buckingham. 

On April 8th Company K removed fiom Havre-de-Grace to 
Fort Marshall and were assigned to duty inside of the fort where 
they found pleasant quarters. Seven men of this company were 
soon detailed for duty at Patterson's Park hospital, half a mile 
away. April loth the furloughed boys returned to their res- 
pective companies, brimming over with stories to tell their com- 
rades about their visit at home and about the many amusing in- 
cidents of the late election. .A meniber of the regiment wrote in 
his journal that night as follows: "Our boys who went home on 
a furlouyh returned this afternoon, looking old fa.shioned enough. 




Chaclain YARNUM A. COOPER. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 85 



They are dancing likr wild cats around us. The noise is enouo-h 
to deafen one." 

On April 15th there was a sad accident in Company D; Jesse 
F. Converse, of Thompson, having his left eye accidentally put 
out with the point of a knife. He had the sympathy of the 
whole company for he was a good soldier and a general favorite. 

April rgth was anniversary of the attack on the Massachu- 
setts Si.xth in the streets of Baltimore two years ago, but as it 
was Sunday the celebration of this event did not occur until the 
ne.\t day. The five companies of the Eighteenth took an active 
part in the ceremonies. Companies D and H hred a salute of 
thirteen guns at the fort at sundown, and in the evening there 
was held a great Union meeting at the Maryland Institute, ten 
or twelve from each company being permitted to attend. The 
immense hall was crowtied and many went away, unable to crain 
admittance. The hall was beautifully decorated with American 
flags, and mottoes appropriate to the occasion, and the strongest 
Union sentiments were expressed and heartily cheered. A cor- 
respondent writes: "I never expected to hear such strong anti- 
slavery sentiments uttered in a slave State, especially in the city 
of Baltimore and have them received with so much applause. 
They used to mob people up North a few years ago, for makino- 
just such speeches." The boys were more than pleased to wit- 
ness the crowd and the spirit and enthusiasm of the occasion. 

Companies I and G were a terror to the evil-doers in the artil- 
lery companies at Fort McHenry, some of whom found it not 
su easy to "run the guard." One of Company (i went so far as 
to shoot a regular who had been sentenced to two years' imprison- 
ment and who was making an eftort at escape. The ball struck 
his cheek, passed through his mouth, knocking out some of his 
teeth, and coming out on the other side, inflicting a painful but 
not dangerous wound. This act raised quite a storm among the 
other companies, but Gen. Morris was apparently well pleased 
with the prompt and determined manner in which our boys were 
doing their duty. 



86 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



About this time a large number of rebel soldiers passed through 
Baltimore on their way to the South to be exchanged. Their 
rusty appearance was the subject of frequent remark among- our 
men as in striking contrast to that of the Union soldiers. 

At this date a correspondent writes: "We have two sutlers 
here who are allowed to sell cider, lager beer, &c., and we find 
them a great help in keeping our guard house full." No doubt 
of that, as we always found them expert at that business as well as in 
emptying pockets of their greenbacks. 

"The spring campaign has fairly commenced in the fort. Bar- 
racks are being thoroughly cleansed and white-washed, the guns 
and carriages are newly painted and everything conductive to 
health and good order being done." So writes one of the men 
to his family at this date. The weather was fine and the regi- 
ment generally were pleased with their quarters and duties. 

April 23th a guard of thirty-five men went on to Washington 
with a squad of convalescents and returned the same evening, 
the trip being a pleasant one and much enjoyment by way of 

variety. 

April 29th Company \\ Capt. Beale, arrived at the fort much 
fatio-ued after a march of about twenty miles. As soon as they 
canie in sight, a drum corps marched out and escorted them into 
the fort. Company C relieved Compan>- F. The month of 
April, on the whole was a period of considerable interest. The 
weather was quite agreeable; more than the usual number of fur- 
loughs were granted, bringing frequ(>nt good news from home; 
there was more activity in military circles, and the excitement 
caused by rumors of removal to the front was often intense. 

The chief amusements were ball playing and singing schools. 

May opened finely with stirring news from the front and the 
excitement increasing. 

Gen. Hooker was crossing the Rappahannock, and the pros- 
pect was fair of being callecl^ to the front soon. On May 7th 
some of the boys went to the city and the supply of fire-water 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 87 



which they procured caused more or less unpleasantness in 
camp. 

May Sth Greenbacks arrived once more and were received 
with a hearty welcome. 

May r3th Col. Ely returned from P'ort McHenry where he 
had presided at court martial as already mentioned. 

May 20th Maj. Keech was discharged for disaljility, his loss 
being generally regretted. Thus far the regiment had suffered 
considerably by sickness and the number was large of those who 
had become disabled and were discharged from the service. It 
had been about nine months since the regiment left Camp Aiken 
and during this time the losses in various ways had been more 
than the accessions by recruiting. .Several officers had been dis- 
charged for various causes, and )-et, the regimi-nt was con- 
sidered in quite good contlition, but constant post duty had not 
given Col. Ely much ojjportunity to prepare his men for field 
service. It was not a matter of surprise to militar)' men that the 
regmient had in some respects degenerated and its discipline be- 
come impaired. It was owing to fears on this point that Col. 
Ely desired orders for the front, believing that the regi- 
ment if it was consolidated and acting in concert in regimental 
drill and discipline, would soon be in good fighting trim. Better 
and more tractable men never entered the service, as a few weeks 
of marching and discipline abundantly proved. It was with deep 
regret, however, that the men left 15altimore. They had made 
many pleasant acquaintances and a host of friends by their gen- 
eral good behavior an hatl secured the confidence of their divi- 
sion and regimental commanders. 

The Eighteenth being about to proceed to the front, it may 
be well to note its condition and some of the most important 
changes. It is not in all respects what it was when it left Camp 
Aiken in Norwich. The soldier's life tries men. It shows what 
sort of material they arc; made of — whether they will stand fire 
or not, men to a great extent beintr creatures of circumstance.- 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The life of the Eighteenth, on the road and in Baltimore, devel- 
oped the qualities of both the good and the bad. It must be 
confessed that every officer and man did not prove to be of as 
fine metal as was desired and expected, some led away by one 
vice and some by another. Intemperance and its kindred evils 
are the great scourge uf army lile, and have proved more de- 
structive to life and health than tiie bullet; and though we do 
not think the Eighteenth were sinners above all soldiers in this 
respect, yet it might have stood better. We are thankful that 
the case was no worse, and we institute no comparisons to the 
discredit of other regiments. The order is given to move. Col. 
Ely is still in command. But we notice some changes in his 
staff. Maj. Keech, a true man and a good officer, is missing and 
Capt. Henry Peale, of Company F, appears in his place. Sur- 
geon Charles M. Carleton, resigned for disability, is succeeded 
by Surgeon Lowell Holbrook, who has been but a few days with 
the regiment; Surgeon William B. North appears in the place of 
Surgeon Henry W. Hough. The chaplaincy is vacant and the 
regiment moves on without a moral guide. 

Company A, Capt. Henry C. Davis. This company has spent 
most of the time at Bush River, a pleasant and healthy location. 
A detachment of twenty-five men, in charge of a lieutenant, had 
been .sent to Eklton. on the road between Perryville and Wil- 
mington, with another stationed at Chesapeake City, and did not 
receive orders in time to join their company before leaving Bal- 
timore. There had been but few changes. No discharges, only 
one death, and one desertion; facts which speak well for the 
company. 

Company B, Capt. Thomas K. Bates, was at Back River, an 
unhealthy location. Considerabl*- sickness reported. Ten dis- 
charges for disability. No other changes. 

Company C. Capt. Bromley has resigned and Lieut. Merwin is 
in command. Quite a number of changes reported. .Six dis- 
charges for disability and one desertion. Several promotions, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



noted elsewhere, and several more detailed for duty at head- 
quarters, or in other departments ol the regimental service. 

Company I). No change in its affairs, five men discharged for 
disabilit)' and one transferred. 

Compan)- E. Changed commanders, reports one death, four 
discharges for disabilit\' and two desertions. 

Compan)' F reports one or two promotions, one death, two dis- 
charges for disabilit)- and one desertion. 

Company G reports one resignation, three deaths and six dis- 
charges for disability. 

Company H. One resignation, one death, three discharges 
for disability and two desertions. 

Company I. One resignation, one death, six discharges for- 
disability and six desertions. 

Company K. One death, two discharges and three deser- 
tions. 

Thus stood the regiment as to changes and promotions at 
the time, the order was received to go into \'irginia. Loss by 
discharges, forty-four: by death, eight; by desertion, sixteen, 
transferred, two — seventy-five in all — leaving the regiment about 
nine hundred strone- 



go EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER III. 



MARCUIXG TO THE FRONT. 



As a whole, the reLjinient a|)peared excellent and excited in- 
terest and commendation as it marched out of Fort Marshall, 
and proceeded to the Washington depot. The entire command 
was together with the exception of Companies 1, G and U 
which had preceeded to Harptr's T'erry and were waiting on 
Maryland Heights for the lialance of the regiment. 

Though quitting Baltimore with reluctance, still it was the gen- 
eral desire to get to the front and be in more active service. 
The men had become weary of guard duty. Besides the grum- 
blers at home had accused the:ii ui doing nothing long enough. 
Thus one of the soldiers writes; "The men were looking and 
feeling finely as they marched away from Fort Marshall to the 
Washington depot. In a short time they were joined by the 
companies from up the road," 

While awaiting transportation the citizens were not sparing in 
their criticisms, which on the wholi- were quite flattering, and ex- 
cited considerable; interest among the men. Of several rough 
looking fellows, who were watching closely every movement of 
the regiment, one was heard to sa)': "jim, what regiment is that? 
"Well, well, don't \i)u know? That is the Eighteenth Connec- 
ticut." Another by-slandi-r ciimnu-nrcd: "Look luTe, do you 
know I pity the r<'gimenl ol r<-l>f-ls chat fasten on lo those lel- 
lou-s, for I tliink they will liglit like h — 1." It is needless to sa\- 
that the compliments were highly enjo\ed. 




The Sbenandoah Valley 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. gi 

On ihe 2 2(1 nf Ma\ the Eighteenth was packed away in a train 
of cattle cars for the rebel market; and at half-jiast one in the af- 
ternoon the train moved off amid great cheering, stopping about 
two miles away to take on the fjaggage. Remained here until 
about half-past four and then moved on again, passing throm^h a 
delightful couniry which at that time was in luxuriant veo-eta- 
tiun. At the Rela) House another stop was matle. The cattle 
train was anything but con\-enient and comfortable, though the 
frecjuent halts gave opportunity for a change of position. Passed 
on to Ellicott Mills. Near this place the boys filled their can- 
teens from a beautiful spring of water. "The best water," says 
one, "I have found in Mar\land." The remainder of the trip to 
Sandy Hook was performed in the night. At "Point of Rocks" 
the men caught a view of the Potomac by moonlioht for the 
first time. Passing under the shelving rock and round the curve 
of the road the place was savage-looking enough, laro-e boulders 
hanging directly overhead. The whole landscape from this place 
to Sandy Hook, on that night, looked wild and picturesque, elicit- 
ing e.xclamat'ons of wonder a;-; i d' 'light. 

Arriving at Sandy Hook, the men prepared for sleep, stretch- 
ing themselves on the car floors. Not very pleasant w^ere the 
dreams that night. The day previous had been one of oreat 
excitement, new scenes w(rre witnessed, and every hour was bring- 
ing the regiment nearer to the realities and horrors of war. It is 
no wonder some dreamed of "rebs," and others of "blood and 
battle," and that things generally seemed uncertain and porten- 
teous. That first night, at Sandy Hook on man)- accounts, was a 
memorable one, and will not soon be forgotten. 

At 4.30 A. M., the 23d. the regiment roused b\ the cry of "fall 
in," was soon mo\ ing, and in tifteen minutes had reached Har- 
per's Eerr)-, crossed the Potomac on the iron bridge, marched a 
short distance up the Shenandoah, halted and stacked arms. This 
was an important move to the regiment. P'or the first time the 
Eighteenth trod the "sacred soil" of \'irginia. In the gray lioht 



92 EIGHTEEXTH REGIMENT 



of that memoral)!e m()r^in^^ tlic romantic scener\' of this re- 
nowned place yrctted the e\(-s of our men. ( )n the right rose 
Maryand Heights in surpassing Mriindmir. on the left Loudon 
Heights, as black as night, seemed to stand as a mighty barrier 
between the rel)el and Union forces, while at the same time, each 
dusk\- point in the laiulsraiH- seemed to the excited soldiers to 
bristle with reliel bushwhackers, waiting to pounce upon an)' 
Union soklier coming within their reach. ImmediateK' in front 
was Bolivar Heights, the east side dotteil with ilwellings, three 
churches and a cemetery. The latter had been often desecrated 
by Union and rebel soldiers. One of the churches was used as a 
prison for rebel citizens and prisoners of war and the other for a 
horse stable. This use ot the sacred edifice was, of course, con- 
sidered by the citizens a greater act of profanation than anything 
else. The object ot the greatest interest was the engine house 
at the foot of Bolivar, near the railroad station, in which "Old 
John Brown" was taken prisoner. The regiment remained here 
through the day and until 5 1'. M., in the mean time, as far as 
practicable, examining the difterent [joints ot interest with plea- 
sure and wonder. It was the first time the boys had had a real 
view of the desolation ot war; the public buildings were in ruins, 
churches and dwelling houses in dilapidated condition, and on 
every hand were the marks of martial retribution against the 
men who had plunged the nation into a civil war. 

The raid of "Old )ohn Thrown" was freely discussed, and his 
tragic fate considered the filling up of the cup of iniquity, of 
which these guilty men were to drink to its ver)' dregs. The 
blighting effects of the war were at no point more visible than 
here. Harper's Ferry, before the war, was noted for the finest 
and grandest scenery in all the South. Jefferson, in his notes on 
Virginia, says: "It is worth a vo)age across the Atlantic to see 
the wild beauty of this place." It was sad to witness the changes 
produced by the war. During the day Companies U, G and I 
rejoined the regiment. These companies, as already stated 



CC ^NNEC TICU T VOL UNTEERS. 93 



had preceded the rei;iinent to Harper's Ferr)', lia\ino; left Balti- 
more on Wednesday, tlie 20th. The)- had s])eni two days on 
Maryland heis^hts. where tht^y liail a line o[)]j()rtiinily to view the 
scenery of the h'err)-, ami surrounding country for twenty miles 
around. 

The re^nment was together once more, with the exception of 
a scpiad of Company A. which had been left at Elkton and Chesa- 
peake Cit\. Tile reunion was hailetl with pleasure, and many 
and heart)- congratulations were exchanged during the day. At 
five P. M. the bugle sounded, and soon the regiment was on the 
road to Winchester. 

Marched until about ten o'clock P. M., and halted for the 
night under cover of the woods. The men rolled themselves 
up in their blankets and were soon in the land of dreams. First 
day's march ten miles. 

At five .A. M., the 24th, on the march again. In about half an 
hour passed through Charlestown. It was early dawn of .Sunday. 
Our drums brought the people in crowds to the doors and win- 
dows. A strong rebel place it was, whence John ISrown's soul 
was released from his body on the scaffold and sent "marching 
along." Obtained only a passing view of the town, as no halt 
was made, but many patriotic demonstrations were given bj' the 
Yankees, much to the disgust of the murderers of the old mar- 
tyr, and would-be-murderers of every Northern soldier now tread- 
ing the soil of Virginia. No American fiag greeted the regiment 
here, save that w^hich indicated the presence of a Union cavalry 
force, stationed at this point to remind the rebel citizens of their 
relation to the Union. After marching about six miles, halt for 
an hour, ate hard-tack and salt junk, marched again until eleven 
o'clock A. M., and then rested until six P. M. That night en- 
camped within half a mile of Berryville. It had been a very hot 
day, a few men fell out by the way, a few were sick, and all 
were more or less foot-sore. Extra blankets and clothing were 
at a discount. Although the march of this day was only about 



94 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMEN T 

eight miles, yet it was a hard one, and many threw awa\' their 
overcoats and blankets, an act which they soon repented. All 
along the route from Harper's Ferry were numerous ex'idences 
of the war — fences destroyed, buildings gutted or burned, dead 
horses along the route, and many other signs of the desolations 
of war. The realities of war began to look more serious to the 
Eighte(Mith. Soldiering was no boy's pla_,-. We shall state only 
the truth if we say that many a one that night looked back to- 
ward Baltimore, and up the road, with longing and appreciative 
desires. Eighteen miles of marching under a burning sun told 
heavily on men who had been doing guard or post duty for nine 
months, and if they did not sleep that night it was because 
they were too tired and foot-sore. Many felt, too, the loss of 
the blankets and overcoats they had recklessl)- parted with on 
the march. Monday morning, May 25th, passed through Berry- 
ville at about six o'clock, which was another intensely traitorous 
town. The people generally could not refrain from manifesting 
some tokens of their displeasure at the presence of l^nion sol- 
diers, a few only, appeared Iriendl)-. On the next three or four 
miles made one or two halts, and forded one or two "runs." 
Near the last were several dwellings, where a halt was taken, 
and many of the men obtained milk and bread to go with their 
rations. One man showed consideral:)le rebel spite, and some of 
the soldiers handled him rather roughly. The last stream forded 
was about knee deep. The water made the men's feet more 
tender and .sensitive, yet they trudged on, and reached Winches- 
ter, after a march of twelve miles, in good spirits, going into camp 
about two miles below the town. The situation was a pleasant 
one, rations were good, water excellent — the best the regiment 
had found as yet — and life wore a more cheerful aspect. The 
Eighteenth had got through playing soldier and were preparing 
now for an active campaign, ) et they were cheerful and hopeful. 
Everything in the vicinity of Winchester indicated lively times 
at hand. Rumors were rife of an advance of the rebel army 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 95 



down the Shenandoah valley. The defeat of Gen. Hooker at 
Chancellorsville. and his rapid retreat over the Rappahannock, 
made the Confederates more exultant and defiant than ever. 
Tnie'their losses were ^reat and serious, and their pursuit of 
Hooker's left win^;-, consistino' in part of the fileventh corps, under 
Gen. Howard, had been effectually checked, causing them morti- 
fication and chagrin, as they supposed that the Federal army was 
totally defeated at one time, and a signal victory had been 
achieved. The rebel papers, however, were full of glowing des- 
criptions of .Stonewall Jackson's famous onslaught on the Yan- 
kees, and the almost total annihilation of Gen. Howard's division. 
But the rebels were more or less deceived as to the real injury 
they had infiicted upon the Union army. Gen. Hooker, though 
out-geiieralled by Lee, was not disheartened, and witli great 
boldness and skill liad moved his shattered forces to a position 
of securil\- anil defence, which greatU' surprised the enemy and 
battled pursuit. Still the enem\' were hopeful and defiant. 1 he 
general sentiment in the South at that time was in iavor of an 
acrgressive movement, Lee was urged to make an immediate ad- 
vance, and ever)- da_\-'s delay made the Southern peojjle more 
restl<-ss and clamorous. The golden opportunity might be lost. 
The rebels cliafed because the Northern peojjle were in compara- 
tive securit)- ami prosperity, their homes undisturbed b_\' tlestruc- 
tive armies, and th(;ir property untouched by the hands of the 
invaders. 'l"he South were fighting at arms' length and with 
great odds against them. In their ignorance ot the situation, 
they believed the time had come to carry the war into the \ery 
heart of the North. ,ind hence urged their generals lo push on 
their victorieuis column^ into the rich farm lands ol I'enns)lvania, 
and give the peo|>le tf.ere a stinging impression ol the superiority 
of S()uth(M-n armies, and a keener sense of the stei-ii meaning of 
war. Bitter relaiialion on the North! Carr)' the war into th(^ heart 
of the enem\'s counlr\- was the Southern cr\- i-verywhere. It 
was known too that there was a peace-part)- at the .North, ready 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



to betray the cause of freedom, that there was dissatisfaction and 
demoralization in the army of the Potomac after the battle of 
Chancellorsville, and other things of a depressing character, all 
of which encouraged the Confederates in their boastful anticipa- 
tions. The rebel generals expected to accomplish as the result 
of Hooker's defeat, the capture of Washington, a general forage 
of Pennsylvania, and consecjuently the taking of Baltimore and 
other places of great advantage to their cause. That such a 
magnificent plan should have seemed feasible to Gen. Lee was not, 
under the circumstances very surprising. And yet it was a military 
mistake, freighted with the most terrible consequences to the 
rebel cause. The rebel press made no secret of the purpose to 
humilate the North and conquer a peace. They published 
their intentions wldel)' and boldly, and discussed the comparative 
advantages of different routes, by which their armies might suc- 
ceed in their project. Each day revealed some new movement 
on the part of Lee. His whole army was now in motion, but 
Gen. Hooker was alsu on the alert, and by a bold and suc- 
cessful dash on Stuart's cavalr\- by Cien. I'leasanton, he brought 
about the general order lor a rebel advance. It was at this 
juncture that a force was collected at Winchester, under com- 
mand of Gen. Milroy, a part of which embraced the Eigh- 
teenth Connecticut. 

From the time of our arrival in Winchester the valley began to 
swarm with guerillas and rebel cavalry, under Imboden and 
tones, ready to "gobble up" the Union soldiers. It was not 
thought that the Federal force at this point was sufficient to cope 
with the hostile force in front, as it consisted of not more than 
si.x or seven thousand men, and was intended to keep watch of 
Lee's army, ami serve as a check to his advance. Gen. Milroy's 
little army was kept l)us\' working on the detenscs ami making 
reconnoissances, and the l'!lghlc<iuh did its lull share ol this work. 
"We begin now," writes a rcLMm( lUal correspendent, "to see what 
a soldier's liitt is, but we like it. < )ur camp is on the battlefield 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 97 



where Gen. Banks met Gen. Stonewall Jackson's forces, and the 
former retreated, The gateway that opened to give us admit- 
tance was where the Fifth Connecticut lost so many men just one 
year previous to the day of our arrival." 

The camp was near the Shawnee Springs. In a southwesterly 
direction, about twenty rods away, was a house said to be the 
place where Gen. Washington's wife was born and bred. An old 
lad)', who lived in the house, gave an interesting account of the 
battle referred to above, pointing out the place where she count- 
ed si.xteen South Carolina dead after Banks' retreat. The Eight- 
eenth was now fairly at the front, there being only videttes be- 
tween them and the rebel line. The first day's work at Winches- 
ter was full of interest. .A. large party was sent out on Front 
Royal road for picket duty, and to be a guard to the wood- 
choppers, as it was considered very unsafe to go on that business, 
or any other, without a protective force in front. .\ sharp look- 
out was kept through the day for bush-whacking rebels, who 
were thought to be not far away. l)ut on the whole the men 
were pleased with their new situation. The surroundings of 
Winchester, at this season, were beautiful — the view of the 
mountain scenery magnificent, and the valley was filled with in- 
teresting pictures on either side. 

But Winchester itself did not present many attractions. It al- 
ready showed us plainly the marks of war. Here and there might 
be seen an attractive building, but most of them indicated that 
their owners were at least "fifty years behind the times." The 
presence of old houses, the cracks filled with clay, and the absence 
of churches and school houses were a subject of general remark. 
Everything indicated a lack of intelligence and enterprise. The 
curse of slavery was everywhere visible, and the degradation 
and humiliation of the poor Avhites and blacks was a sad sight to 
men who had been blessed with a home of intelligence, and plenty 
in New England. 

Nine te^ms arrived with tents and camjj utensils, which 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



were set up during the day. A squad of men came in from picket 
duty and said they Hked it first rate. Also a foraging party came 
in at night with one hundred sheep, fifty head of cattle, one old 
mule and nine or ten wagon loads of grain, taken from the 
citizens. This was thought to be a pretty good day's work for 
the first one. The men enjoyed their discoveries and took special 
pleasure in the account of their captures. If any citizens took 
the oath of allegiance they were said to be adequately paid for 
their stock and grain. Company A also came in from a scout, 
giving a pleasant account of their experiences while absent. 
Thursday, May 28th, opened with a splendid morning; battalion 
drill in the afternoon, lasting about ont^ hour and a half. Next 
formed a line of battle and marched into the woods over stone- 
walls, rocks and other obstructions, the men keeping a splendid 
line; drilling the order of the day when not otherwise employed. 
May 29th. A squad of the regiment were sent in different 
directions to-day, some of the men entering a fine agricultural 
region, famous for wheat mills, but the army had made sad havoc 
with the whole country, and spread desolation everywhere. At 
five P. M. a s(|uad of Compan)- K were sent out, who spent the 
night near an old fiour mill. All quiet along the lines. Lieut. 
Blanchard who had been detailed the day previous with twenty 
men, accompanied by two of Uncle Sam's scouts, returned to 
camp. He had marched about twent)' miles, to put into effect 
the emancipation proclamation. They arrived at the place of 
their destination, says a correspondent, a splendid and costly 
dwelling, about ten P. M.. and surrounded the house. When 
the inmates, all females, saw the blue backs, there was skedad- 
dling for the doors, but the glistening bayonets so effected their 
imaginations that they retreated to the attics and extinguished 
the lights. It was sometime before an)' one could be found to 
answer the summons for admissicm. When the household 
did appear, they were? informed that c|uarters for twenty-fi\e men 
tvere needed. The lady of the house told Lieut. Blanchard they 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 99 



could stay in the barn. That would not answer, the boys may get 
to smoking and set the IniiKlings on fire, was the reply. At length 
the Heutenant was invited to enter the parlor for consultation. 
The result was the boys slept where they pleased, and helped 
themselves to such rations as they could find. There were fifteen 
or twenty slaves on the premises, and these were set to work mak- 
ing hoe-cakes; and a plenty of milk being found, cakes and milk 
were served up for supper, much to the enjoyment of the whole 
detachment. It was ascertained that the owner was a rebel 
quarter-master, and the boys thought they had a right to put in 
a requisition for anything they wanted, and the)- did so. After 
a good sleep the men were much refreshed, and the ne.xt morning 
found them bright and hopeful. Breakfast was ordered with as 
much freedom as though they were in a Northern hotel, and was 
promptly served. Lieutenant Blanchard and the scouts were 
invited to breakfast with the ladies, and were not slow in accept 
ing the invitation; on which occasion Northern gallantry was not 
wholly unappreciated. The lady of the house said she had been 
visited several times in this manner, and sometimes rudely 
treated, but this company had been considerate, and she thanked 
them for their kind and gentlemanly treatment. All the slaves, 
who wished to do so, had the privilege of returning with Lieut. 
Blanchard, and one family did so. The requisition on this rebel 
quarter-master was two yoke of oven, one wagon and two hand- 
some cream colored horses. 

May 30th, was an unusually interesting and exciting day. It 
was Sunday, and the day had been appointed by the rebels for 
the transfer of any families, who desired, to enter the Union lines. 
A squad of cavalry were ordered to accompany the Eighteenth 
with a flag of truce toward Strasburg, with transportation, to 
receive those families whose husbands had deserted the rebel 
cause, and enlisted in the Union army. The regiment proceeded 
to Newtown, eight miles, Company I^ being the ailvance guard, 
and leading the regiment about one mile. Halted in front of a 



lOo ElGHTEENTh REGIMENT 



house occupied by a rebel physician. He was courteous and 
brought out chairs, and permitted the company to seat themselves, 
or lie down on the grass in his front yard, under the trees. Re- 
mained here four or five hours, while the cavalry went into the 
rebel lines, and returned with about a dozen families, which were 
poorly dre.ssed, had little or no furniture, and looked the picture 
of want and starvation. The boys collected what food they could 
for them, and it was pleasant to see the appetite with which these 
poor creatures ate hard tack and pork. The whole party re- 
turned to Winchester about six P. M., tired and hungry. The 
return march was rapid, some of the time on the double quick, 
but in good order. No rebels were seen during the day. .Such 
expeditions became of frequent occurrence, and indicated more 
lively times at hand. 

But for the desolations war had made, the situation of the 
Eio-hteenth would have been exceedingly interesting and beauti- 
ful. Every one was full of admiration for the natural scenery 
around Winchester. But windowless, dilapidated, and tenantless 
houses and the presence of martial paraphernalia, and the fre- 
quent movements of the army, hardly comported with the quiet 
beauty which seemed to reign everywhere. There was company 
drill in the morning, and regimental target firing in the afternoon 
Company K made the best shot — not a single gun missed t'lre. 
A \cry pleasant day, ami notliing exciting occurred, save a rumor 
that Gen. Lee was on his way down the Valley. Company F was 
detailed for service on the earth-works above the town, preparing 
to give the rebels a warm reception. 

June 2d, an exciting day. Had the usual company drill in 
the forenoon, and battalion drill in the afternoon. Col. lily 
commanding. There came a rumor that the pickets had been 
driven in and an attack was expected. Company D worked on 
artillery road. At nine P. M. muskets were loaded and every- 
thing was in readiness to repel at attack. The regiment slept on 
their arms that night, but some of the men were incredulous as 
to the near approach of the enemy. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. loi 



June 3d. Mad the first rain since the reyiment left Baltimore 
— -eleven days. .\ lar^e guard was sent to do |)icket duty at the 
Union Mills, on the Strasburg road. At this time these mills 
were doing a heavy business for the government. The situation 
was fine and commanding. At three P. M. there was an alarm, 
and about fifty cavalry and four or five scouts were sent out 
towards Newtown. .A.t dusk one hundred and seventy more 
cavalry went in the same direction, and six companies of the 
Eighteenth followed as a supporting column. ,\bout ten P. M. 
a cavalryman came in with a report that there was fighting at 
Newtown. The alarm was given, and the guard at the mills ran 
down to a bridge, a short distance away, in order to rip it up if 
there was an advance of the rebels. It proved to be a false 
alarm. A party of Pennsylvania cavtilrj- had come unexpectedly 
upon a company of Virginia Union cavalry, which had caused the 
unusual excitement. 

June 4th. Several parties were sent out scouting, while others 
worked on the rifie-pits near the fort. Compan\- B was prac- 
ticed in skirmish drill, and highly complimented as beino- a well 
drilled company. One scouting [)arty came upon a squad of 
five bush-whackers in a "bush-house" asleep, but succeeded in 
capturing only three of them, an achievement that excited much 
criticism and laughter among the men, as it was thought to be 
hardly the proper thing to let such a sleepy set of fellows o-et 
away. 

June 5th. Lively times to-da)-. Hard drilling in the fore- 
noon. The -Sixth Maryland and Twelfth X'irginia regiments went 
into camp near the Eighteenth. About thret- P. M. the order 
was given to "strike tents." In fifteen minutes the work was 
done, and the regiment moved about forty rods and tents were 
pitched again. .Some of the men went out foraging for leather 
and nails to fit up gun racks. They were successful, and every- 
thing went on merrily. ILxtra pickets were thrown out that night, 
and at half-past seven o'clock man)' of the men went to their 



102 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



posts supperless. Subsequently, however, the "slaughter house" 
was visited and a supply of beef obtained. 

The men were beginning to bear the many interruptions, and 
sudden movements of a soldier's life with light hearted philosophy. 
Matters were daily becoming more serious, and no one knew 
what an hour might bring forth. 

June 6th. About this time the squad of Company A, which 
had been left in Maryland and Delaware arrived at Winchester, 
via Martinsburg. While at the latter place there had been great 
excitement in expectation of art immediate attack from the rebels. 
The prospect of joining the regiment was at one time nearly 
given up by the squad, but at length the order was given to 
march. The detachment left Martinsburg about noon, and after 
a forced march, arrived in camp about nine o'clock, the same even- 
ino-. It was a hard march of twenty-two miles, and the men were 
much exhausted. 

The re-union was very pleasing to all, and Company A was 
placed on an equal footing with the other companies, as to number 
and efficiency. The same day a detachment with Company C, 
Eiohty-Seventh Pennsylvania were sent out on a scout, accom- 
panied by two guides. Marched out on the P'ront Royal road, 
about one mile, then struck into the woods, and after a tramp of 
nearly ten miles, came near the Shenandoah river, where they 
camped for the night. Rain fell during the night; however, a 
o-ood sleep was obtained and the next morning, at four A. M., 
were on the march again. After two miles, halted for breakfast 
of hard tack and pork. "A very good meal," said one of the 
company, one of the hungry ones, we presume. The detachment 
followed a stream for a while, then crossed it on a rail, after 
which the companies divided, a part taking the valley, and the 
other marching over the hills. 

After going a considerable distance, halted and rested about 
two hours. Nearly all citizens on this route had protection pa- 
pers from Gen. Milroy. Found a large deserted stone mansion 



CON NEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 1 03 



furnished in the finest style. Its surroundings were beautiful, be- 
ing in the midst of a splendid white-oak grove, while rich mead- 
ows, green- and luxuriant, opening but a short way from the 
scene, were very inviting. A fruitless search was made for 
"bush-whackers." but something better was discovered — a large 
pork ham, which was speedil)' captured and plac(al under guard; 
coffee was made, and after the scjldiers' usual report, pickets 
were thrown out, and the command lay down to sleep. Were 
awakened about three o'clock next morning by the firing of two 
muskets. Instant preparation was made to receive the rebels, 
but instead of those visitors two negroes rode up who had been 
fired upon by the Union pickets. During the night three rebels 
were taken prisoners. After this scare, and breakfast being over, 
resumed marching and in a short time took another prisoner. 
Rations began to fail, and another search was made for food. 
About noon came to another large farm-house — the owner had 
gone to Winchester to take the oath. But little provision was 
obtained here, and the troops plodded on until aijout four P. M. 
when they arrived in camp after marching fort\' or fifty miles. 

Nothing of special interest occurred on the 9th and loth save 
that there was more trouble with the pickets. It was growing 
daily more apparent that the rumors of Lee's advance were only 
too true. A large force was reported on its way from Manassas 
Gap. At two A. M., the iith, there was an alarm; tents were 
struck, the regiment was soon in line, and arms were stacked, 
waiting for further orders. At eight o'clock A. M. an order was 
given to unload the wagons and pitch tents, and in a short time 
the camp of the Eighteenth assumed its usual appearance. At 
this juncture Company K was ordered to proceed to the old 
camp ground and take down the flag-staff. Before the work was 
completed the bugle sounded the "general asseml)!), " and there 
was a return to camp on the double (piick to join in a general 
review. Gen. Milroy and (ien. Tyler reviewed eight companies 
of the regiment, which were complimented for their fine appear- 



I04 EIGHIEENTH REGIMENT 



ance, althout^rh they had been out all the night before and were 
tired and jaded. 'I'o-day ten men of Company D were ordered 
to arrest a man named Baldwin, a rebel doctor, and belonginjj to 
the aristocracy of the town. Hut the man was rebellious and re- 
fused to obey Gen. Milroy's order, and accordingly he was given 
only one hour to move with his whole family further south. His 
wife was very indignant, and with the usual spirit of rebel ladies 
joined her neighbors in in\oking all manner of curses upon the 
Yankees, and especially upon Gen. Milroy, the general having 
made himself very obnoxious to the rebel citizens by treating 
them with but little consideration. Notwithstanding this mani- 
festation of Southern spirit, the doctor and his family were taken 
beycjnd the Union lines and left to the tender charity of their 
Southern brethren. 

At this time but few citizens were left in the town except old 
men and women, and some of these were looking every day for 
the Confederates to appear and drive away the hated Yankees. 
It is not surprising that the presence of the Union arm)- was 
very annoying. The iron rule of a provost marshal was not to 
be acquiesced in without a display of a bitter animosity. No 
person, male or female, was allowed to purchase any article at the 
store without a permit from the powers that be, and no one was 
given such a permit unless he or she took the "iron-clad oath." 
Company D had not a little of this unpleasant work to do in 
compelling from citizens a proper respect for the Federal gov- 
ernment, and an acknowledgment of its rights. 

This company was quartered in the town, occupying buildings 
each side of the court-house on Main Street, and they had all the 
room they wanted, though many of the houses were without 
windows and doors. 

A soldier correspondent at this date, takes the following view: "I 
do think the rebels will \cnture to attack this place, but if they do 
we are prepared to rec(;ive them." On that very day Gen. Mil- 
roy received information from his scouts of the approach of Gen, 




Chaplain WILLIAM C. WALICER. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. ,05 

Ewell's corps of Lee's army, consistiiij^ of a large force, with sixty 
to seventy pieces of artillery, the advance of which reached the 
Union pici<ets on Friday, the 12th. Early next morning the 
Eighteenth was ordered to work on the fortifications. 

The Eighty-Seventh Pennsylvania Infantry were ordered out 
in the direction of Newtown, the rebels having been reported there. 
After a few hours the Eighteenth were startled by a "low rumb- 
ling sound in the distance, and the cry was heard on every side, 
'they have found the rebels and the Eighty-Seventh Pennsylvania 
are giving them grape.'" And while they listened to the distant 
roar and din of battle for the first time, it created intense excite- 
ment and a desire to participate in the fra\'. Said one: "I wish 
we could only get one chance at them. They never give us any- 
thing to do." Lieut. Caruthers, Company H, who heard the re- 
mark and who had smelt powder at the first battle of Bull Run, 
said to himself, "Don't be in a hurry, boys, you will have your 
full share ot fighting at no distant day." But perhaps he did 
not think the time would come so soon as it did. 

The 13th day of June was a memorable one in the history of 
the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. From the time of their 
arrival at Winchester, on .May 25th, the regiment had occupied 
the right of the Second Brigade, Milroy's division, under the im- 
mediate command of Col. Ely, Lieut. Col. Nichols was in command 
of the regiment. Before day-break the rebel cavalry made an at- 
tack upon the Federal pickets, but were promptly repulsed. 
By this time Gen. Milroy was fully apprized of their design, it 
became evident that a strong rebel force was advancing. It is 
unaccountable that Milroy did not find this out before. Why he 
should have been so completely sur])rised with the means of in- 
formation at his command, being in a valley bounded both right 
and left by mountain ranges, so favorable for observation, has 
never been satisfactorily explained. The latest dispatches from 
Winchester even on the 12th of June, represented the situation as 
perfectly safe, the army in the best spirits, and more than willing 
to meet the enemy, so great was the assurance of success. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



"Let the rebels come" was the cry on every hand, "we'll give 
them all they want;" and come they did. When the firing com- 
menced on the PVont Royal road there \v;is intense excitement. 
The order was given to strike tents, the rebels were advancing in 
force. This was quickly done, but soon the order was given to 
pitch tents again. It was said that the reported advance of the 
rebels was only a scouting party. Tents were soon replaced, and 
the word went down the line, "rest and take it easy." By this 
time there was some loud criticism, if not swearing, by a few of 
the men who were wholly ignorant of the state of affairs and 
knew not tlK.-ir tlanger, "Why don't the rebels come on.^" was 
heard from man)- lips. "Wait a while," was the comment ot 
others. Then came the order to strike tents. This order was 
obeyed with dispatch for the report of an advance of the rebels 
was true enough. The regiment was soon in line, muskets were 
loaded, and everything was ready. "This looks like business," 
said a soldier looking down the line. Many anxious eyes were 
piercing the fields and woods in the distance. Not a word, not 
a murmur was heard. It was the most anxious moment the 
Eighteenth Regiment had ever experienced. Finally Compa- 
nies A and B were ordered out on the skirmish line, and were 
followed by Companies H, F and I, with a section of Randolph's 
United States regular battery, as a support. The latter took a po- 
sition on a small eminence, while Companies A and B felt their 
way to the woods where the enemy awaited them, and who 
opened a brisk fire as soon as these companies came within 
range. But the men pushed on, seemingly without the least ap- 
prehension of receiving a serious check. |ust then Lieut. .Spoon- 
er, in command of the battery, gave the order: "Number one, 
fire, and be sure of your aim. Number two. fire;" and the shells 
went whizzing and screaming into the woods in advance of our 
skirmishers, causing a great commotion among the concealed 
rebels. At this time all of the five companies mentioned above 
were under fire for the first time. The rebels had planted a si.x 



CONNECTICUr VOLUNTEERS. ,07 



gun battery within easy range of our line, in spilt- ul' the skirmish- 
ers, and were wortcing it hotly right and left. Shells were flyino- 
and bursting, and it became painfully evident that the rebels 
were in greater lorce than was anticijxited. The order was triven 
to our skirmishers to fall back, following in the rear of the bat- 
tery. This movement was effected in good order, and a n^tw po- 
sition was taken in the outskirts (^f the city, where the whole regi- 
ment, with the exce[jtion of Company I), acted as a support to the 
battery. This battery had one caission blown up, killing one 
man and wounding another. Michael Hanley, of Company A, 
was wounded in the leg soon after the skirmish commenced. 
From this new position Battery L opened a brisk fire, which was 
responded to with great vigor, the shells flying over the EioJit- 
eenth, which lay as a support behind a wall imniediatel)- in the 
rear of the Federal guns. At this juncture the large "uns from 
the main fort, located a half mile to the northwest of Winchester, 
joined in the contest, and the united fire proving too much for 
the rebels their batteries were silenced and withdrawn. This 
closed the first day's skirmish with the rebels. 

All reports say the Eighteenth behaved well, and did honor 
to themselves and their native; state. Tliat night Gen. Milroy 
gave orders to have all baggage and stores removed from the 
town by the orderlies and teamsters; one of them said, "I never 
worked so hard in my life, but we had everything safely trans- 
ported to the fortifications by day light, Sunday morning." I )urino 
the night the telegraph wires were cut, and communication with 
the Union lines was interrupted. On the whole, the prospect 
was not very flattering, yet the men had kept up good spirits 
through the day. The wounded from the front inspired confi- 
dence and courage, A member of Company A sa\'s, "I saw a 
number of the wounded that day when they w(;re brought in, and 
as they passed us they raised their heads, swimg their cajjs and 
cried, "boys, we are giving it t(j them bull)." lJef(-at was the 
last thing they thought of, but (jcn. Milroy doubtlessly com- 



io8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



prehended the situation by this time and disposed of his small force 
to the best advantage. 

Information being received that the enemy were advancing 
from BerryviUe — a place ten miles northeast of Winchester — the 
Eighteenth was withdrawn from the Front Royal road and 
thrown into the rif^e-pits, commanding the approaches from Ber- 
ryviUe. Here they remained a part of Saturday night, without 
blankets or shelter, and the men were anything but comfortable. 
To add to their discomforts it began to r;iin, which means that it 
poured, and all were drenched through and through, and suffered 
not a little from the cold. It was a dismal and depressing night. 
To add to the fear and confusion of the hour, the artillery of 
heaven shook the earth and by far out-did the crash of battle on 
the preceding day — emblematic of the thunder of battle to 
come. The emotions of the men during that scene can b(^tter be 
imagined tlian described. There was but little sleep if any that 
night, as the boys stood upright, the water streaming down their 
backs to their feet, and filling the trenches several inches deep, 
causing much discomfort if not actual suffering. After midnight 
Company K got up a counter illumination, buiJdinga large camp- 
fire at which they made coffee, and attempted to warm their 
chilled bodies, but did not meet with remarkalile success. Before 
day-break the welcome order came to mo\'e, antl the regiment 
fell back inside the Star I'Ort near the town. Through the 
darkness over old timbers, stone-walls and ruins, the regiment 
made its way, being followed closely b\' the rebels, who took 
possession of a jiart of the east-portion of the town, including the 
old camp of the Eighteenth. At daj-light the situation was any- 
thing but encouraging to the Union army. All night the rebel 
commanders had been bringing up their forces, drawing in their 
lines and pressing us back, giving the boys "another taste ot 
Virginia mud," which, owing to the pouring rain of the previous 
night, was quite deep. At this time the rebels were in full view, 
and were seen "prowling about on the edge of the town," ap- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 109 



patently in high glee over the success they had achieved. The 
rebel citizens of Winchester also were delighted with the situ- 
ation, rejoicing at the prospect of the capture of the entire Yan- 
kee force within a few hours. They knew the rebel force was five 
to one, and thought it was only a question of time with reference to 
Gen. Milroy's surrender. While in or near the .Star Fort, rations 
were issued, but before the men had time to cook them, the 
order was given to advance and re-take that part of the town in 
the hands of the rebels. 

The order was splendidly executed. While a portion of the 
regiment proceeded to the Southern portion of the town for the 
protection of some quartermaster's and commissary stores, which 
were in process of removal, being deemed insecure on account of 
the somewhat defenceless condition of that part of the city, an- 
other portion skirmished with the enemy, who slowly retired, and 
in thirty minutes there was not a rebel to be seen in the town. 
Very soon the whole regiment was ordered to the defenses on 
the nlivtheast, commanding the Berryville road, in which direction 
the lines of the enemy could be distinctly seen. Thus far the 
movements of the regiment were prompt, and highly satisfactory 
to the commanding general. As the regiment advanced that 
morning and the rebels fell back, it is said Gen. Milroy highly 
complimented it to one of his staff, saying, "If I had ten reoiments 
like the Eighteenth Connecticut I would whip the rebels out of 
their boots before sunset." I'p to noon the loss of the regi- 
ment was small, although there had been some sharp skirmishino- 
which lasted several hours. Lieut. Col. Nichols being sick, the 
command devolved upon Maj. Henr)- Peale. At this time the 
regiment was confronted — as it was afterward learned — by at 
least ten thousand men. But such was the disposition of our 
force, it made quite a formidable appearance, seeming much 
larger than it was in reality. The rebels thought at one time we 
had about twelve thousand men l\ing back n( us and in the 
rifle-pits, and waited for this force to advance on their lines. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



There was a large brick house, within rirte distance, immedi- 
ately in front Company H, which had been taken possession of 
by the rebel sharp-shooters, who greatly annoyed the Eighteenth, 
by delivering their fire whenever a head showed itself above the 
rifle-pits. The order was given to Companies V and H, to dis- 
lodge them. A twenty-four pound brass howitzer was pro- 
cured from the fort and turned upon the building. The gun was 
served by Capt. McDonald, of the commissary department. After 
the firing of several shots, some of which penetrated it, and at a 
given signal, which was a shell from a thirty-two pounder from 
the fort, Capt. Bowen with the companies under his command 
sprang out of the pits, and amid the crashing of shot and shell 
charged upon the house. The work was short and bloody. Several 
of the enemy were killed and wounded and thirteen prisoners 
were captured. 

"Never shall I forget" says Lieut. Caruthers, who was severely 
wounded in the abdomen, "the desperate charge, fighting 
away from our main force, with great odds against us. Our 
work being accomplished, the next thing was to get back; being 
nearly surrounded, we cut our way through into the rifie-pits. So 
gallantly was it done that cheers went up from our commander 
in the fort who saw it all." Before making the charge the boys 
said to each other "Let us each do our part well." And they 
did. 

The official reports says, "In this affair private Charles Bald- 
win, Company F, while attempting to capture two rebels, was 
killed, Second Lieut. William Caruthers, serving with Company H, 
severely wounded, and was carried to the rear, and taken in 
an ambulance to a house on the Martinsburg I'ike where his 
wound was dressed." The regiment was kept in the rille pits until 
about four P. M., when it was ordered to the fortifications again. 
Up to this time the rebels had not used a single piece of artil- 
lery, and many were wondering what could be the reason; now 
the mjstery was explained. While this brisk skirmishing had 



^2» 



CONNECTICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



been kept up on the east and south of the town, the enemy had 
been busy in other directions. He had prolont^ed his right line 
to a point north of tlie Berryviile road, while his left extended 
across the I'ront Rujal, Strasljury and Roniney roads, to a point 
near the cit)'. This latter posititm had been gained by cut- 
ting a road through the dense woods a considerable distance, by 
which he had placed several batteries directly in front and rear 
ot the main fort, west and north. 

That Gen. Milro\- should not have anticipated these llank 
movements is surprisingly strange. .Although brave and daring 
almost to a fault, his superior generalship may well be (piestioned, 
when it is admitted that the first evidence of the ap[)roach of the 
enemy from the quarter indicated was in the shape of a solid 
shot which Hew over the fort and fell in the town beyond. This 
showed the enemy had been shrewd, and understood the position 
of the Federal forces, and what to do to tlislodge them with the 
least loss of life, for a serious loss in this direction at this time 
could not be afforded, and yet the delay proved disastrous to the 
enemy in the end. 

.\t five P. M. the enemy made a hirious attack upon thi; ridge 
with infantry, to the right of the main fort, and captured a bat- 
terj-, driving the support back in confusion, though not without 
desperate resistance on the part of the latter. The excitement 
by this time became intense, but the Federal batteries replied to 
the enemy with great coolness and effect. Gen. Milroy elicited 
the admiration of his command by his coolness and firmness, 
taking an exposed position near or a little distance from the flag- 
staff, appearing entirely self-possessed and unmoved while shot 
and shell flew thick and fast around him. About dusk the rebels 
charged upon the main fort twice, but were handsomely repulsed. 
"Many of them," says one of the men "were laid low in death, 
as we waited until th'^y came very near, and then our aim was 
sure." Thus ended the second day's fight. 

Sunday afternoon, from the firing of the first gun and for 



EIGHT EENTH REGIMENT 



three hours the Eighteenth was exposed to a storm of shot and 
shell, making their position extremely hot and uncomfortable. 
"It was the most terrible thundering," says an eye witness, "I 
ever heard." At this time the city was three fourths invested, 
All forces were withdrawn from the outer defenses and concen- 
trated within the earth-works of the main fortifications, with the 
exception of the first brigade, which, since the beginning of the 
action had been stationed with a battery on the ridge, directly in 
the line of the enemy's approach. The position of the Eighteenth 
was a little to the left of the main fort, in a circular form, with 
a battery of artillery in the center, on the top of a round hill, and 
here they awaitetl with much anxiety the terrible canonading, 
which sent the missiles of death tlyiny around them in dangerous 
proximity. It had been such a Sabbath as most of the 
Eighteenth had never witnessed before. The day had been full 
of stirring incidents. One incident early in the morning created 
considerable excitement and enthusiasm. The fifth Maryland, a 
plucky little regiment, had driven the rebels out of a portion ot 
the ride-pits to the east of the town, and occupied them until the 
advance of the Eighteenth, which had been ordered to relieve 
them. As the Eighteenth entered the rifle-pits, the plucky Mary- 
land boys were singing: 

"We'll rally round the flag boys, 

We'll rally once again, 

Shouiing tlie battle cry of Freedom." 

The effect was stirring and inspiring. It was not the first time 
many of the Eighteenth had heard that patriotic song, and it 
created much enthusiasm among the boys, one of whom says, "I 
never shall forget the effect of that glorious national song." 

There is no doubt but the rebels suffered terribly in their last 
charges upon the Union works, Sunday night. They had 
anticipated a speedy victory, but the hrmness of Gen. Milroy dis- 
couraged them, and they abandoned the idea of completing 
the capture until daylight. All reports agree that the Eighteenth 




^4'^;^^'^' 



Capt. HENRY C. DAVIS 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



performed good service throughout the whole day. Both officers 
and privates were cool and determined, and prompt in obedience to 
orders. Our losses were not large, however, fighting most 
of the time behind breast works. Stephen H. Oatley, and George 
\V. Pickett (jl Company G, were killed near the close of the 
day. The thunders of battle ceased with the darkness. Gen. 
Milroy called a council of officers, and it was decided to evacuate 
the works as soon as possible. Silence reigned until about 
twelve o'clock, when the order was given to be read)- to move at 
a moment's warning. The night was intensely dark and great se- 
crecy was enjoined; not a loud word was spoken. The horses had 
been quietly cut from the wagons, and mounted by teamsters, 
moved off, being followed by the cavalry and infantry. By two 
A. M., the rear guard had left Winchester, and the whole column 
moved in good order on the road leading to Martinsburg, the 
Eighteenth Connecticut V^olunteers forming the advance of the 
center brigade. Lieut. Col. Nichols, though still sick, was in 
command. .So quietly was this movement effected, it is said, the 
rebels knew nothing of it until daylight the next morning. 



114 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE BAITLK AND CAPTURE. 



During the night the rebels had been bringing up their artillery, 
eighty-seven pieces in all, and were ready to open on the fort at 
early dawn, 'but the bird had flown." This movement had been 
anticipated on the part of the rebels and when the Union force had 
proceeded about tour miles, at daylight, the First Brigade 
suddenly encountered the right of the rebels posted in strong 
force, in a piece of woods skirting the right of the road. The 
rebels with great rapidity threw forward a sufficient force to en 
gage the whole of the First Brigade, and a portion of the Second. 
The attack of the enemy was prompt and furious, and though our 
men were nearly exhausted, they returned the fire sharply and 
defiantly, but owing to the extreme darkness, the firing on both 
sides was not very effective at first. The First Brigade charged 
the enemy, and having driven back the force immediately in their 
front, passed on and continued their retreat to Harper's Ferry. 
At this juncture the remainder of the First Brigade fell back, to- 
gether with the second, into a field to the left of the road. 
The line o-f the latter had been badly broken by the cavalry, 
which had retreated in great hurry and confusion from this sudden 
advance of the rebels, rushing through our lines, and entangling 
themselves with the infantry. Order, however, was restored with 
the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers and the remnant of the 
first Brigade. Two successive charges were then made upon the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. J15 



rebels in their defences, and upon a battery that poured shot and 
shell into ourjines. The fire of the enemy was too high else the 
regiment would have been cut to pieces. Says an eye witness: 
"For two and a half hours the musketry firing was incessant 
and our boys fought bravely. It was the hardest fighting they had 
experienced." The brigade after the second charge was some- 
what disorganized, and some of the regiments, believing the day 
was lost, scattered so as to render it impossible to bring them 
into line again. At this time the official report says, "The 
Eighteenth was reformed with considerable difficulty and charged 
the third time alone, but was immediately repulsed with a loss of 
some thirty killed and wounded." 

The railroad leading from Harper's Ferry to Winchester, runs 
parallel with the "Pike." At the place where the fight occurred, 
the railroad runs through a bank, forming a cut about six feet 
deep. This cut formed a ready-made entrenchment for the 
rebels. .\ small country njad crossed the railroad at a rio-ht an- 
gle with the turnpike. The rebels formetl their line in this cut, 
their heads only being visible, their left resting on a bridge, where 
they had planted a battery which swept the cross road, on which 
the right of the Eighteenth' advanced, with no artillery to cover 
them. This was a murderous trap which was not seen in the 
gray dawn of that latal morning, and it was first discovered by 
the Hash of rebel rifies. The Union forces could see nothing else 
as they charged into the woods, and up the cross road, hence 
the rebels had every advantage, and were not slow to improve it. 
Nevertheless the Eighteenth charged up to the battery and 
silenced it, by killing or wounding every man on it, but posi- 
tion and a superior force prevailed. The enemy had plenty of 
artillery in reserve, and a long line of fire streamed' from thou- 
sands of rifies to check the advance of our brave men. Again 
and again did our men charge with great odds against them. Says 
a correspondent, "Those who think the Eighteenth cannot fight 
should have gone into those dark woods with us, and see how 



ii6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

brave men can stand tire." It is a wonder they stood so well. 
To charoe up that cross road in face of a battery so well sup- 
ported, and so many times in succession, was enough to dampen 
the courage of the bravest men. 

The last charge was fatal to the preservation of the Eigh- 
teenth, but it saved Gen. Milroy and his stafi'. The rebels were 
exceedingly bitter against Milroy, and very sure of his capture 
at one time, and when they found he had made his escape, were 
indignant and full of wrath. As the Eighteenth started on the 
third charge, the General knew it was his last chance. He 
improved it at the expense of the officers and privates of a noble 
regiment. It was sad to see the broken ranks, the dead and 
wounded and the scattered condition of the regimental this time. 
Col. Ely, Lieut. Col. Nichols and all the officers of that brave 
band of men, had hoped for a different result and did all they 
could to avert such a calamity. It has been said that the officers 
were full of fight, that morning, and were determined from the 
first, to fight their way through the enemies' lines at all hazards. 
Col. Nichols rode after a Maryland regiment that had a fine op- 
portunity to escape, and induced it to return to the fight. The 
men after their capture, however, were very indignant at the 
colonel as their chances for escape were so good at the time. 

It was evident to the most sagacious, after the second charge, 
that the day was lost. Milroy saw it, others saw it and left the 
Eighteenth with fragments of other regiments to their tate. In 
the second charge, Capt. Warner and Lieut. Merwin received 
slight wounds. In the third, Capt. Porter was killed, and Capts. 
Bowen and Bates were severely wounded. The men then scat- 
tered in all directions, but meeting the enemy at nearly all points 
were forced to turn back, and a large number were captured. 
Company D alone eicaped intact. Having been detailed as 
provost guard of Winchester, it left that place with the third 
bricrade and did not participate in the action. On being made aware 
of the attack, it was marched to the rear by its commanding of- 



II 

iiP" 







CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 117 



ficer, and made its way across the country to Pennsylvania. 
After the escape of the first briga ie, as before mentioned, the 
rebels had prolonged their line to the right, with a view of cut- 
ting off the remaining force from Harper's Ferry, and at the 
close of the third charge, it was seven-eighths encircled. Escape 
under these circumstances was e.xceedingl)- difficult. Col. Ely 
then raised a white flag. This consisted of a rubber blanket, the 
white side of which was turned in the direction ot the enemy, 
who was advancing, or making preparations to do so. This was 
not discovered at first, or if it was, the rebels kept up a brisk fire 
for some little tiiii(\ much to the annoyance of the Union 
force. 

The following reasons are assigned for the surrender: "Gen. 
Johnson's Division, which l\ad been charged that morning, was 
in the woods preparing to charge, and at the same instant the 
Stonewall Brigade was thrown across the path of escape on the 
left flank, and advancing rapidly so that capture was inevitable, 
and nothing but immediate surrender could prevent great slaugh- 
ter of officers and men who had fought gallantly and obeyed 
their orders to the letter." The Eighteenth and other regiments 
were wearied by two days' watching and fighting, and badly cut 
up by three successive charges on the enemy, were twenty-five 
miles from supports antl entirely surrounded. Under these cir- 
cumstances surrender was inevitable. Immediately afterwards, 
eighty-seven pieces of artillery, supported by Gen. Early's entire 
command, marched rapidly over the battle-field, and all day long 
detachments of Gen. Milroy's command, who had not fought 
that morning, were brought in, till in all, the captured forces 
numbered five thousand men. Col. Ely said during the engage- 
ment that the officers and men of the Eighteenth Connecticut 
did so well that it was difficult to make distinctions. 
Lieut. U. \V. Hakes acted as aid to Col. Ely, and distinguished 
himself by promptness and daring. Capt. Bowen, with two com- 
panies, charged upon a company of rebel sharp-shooters, securely 



1 1 8 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMENT 



posted, and came back with tifteen prisoners, and all the officers 
were gallant and serviceable during the engagement. From all 
accounts, there is no doubt that the regiment, as a whole, did its 
duty, making three desperate charges upon the enemy, and only 
surrendering when the day was completely lost. It is said that 
the rebels cheered loudly over their victory, but Gen. Walker 
checked them by saying, "they had been fighting that morning 
only about one regiment, and that was the Eighteenth Con. 
necticut." He also said to Colonel. Ely, "You have made 
us a good deal of trouble this morning," and when the 
colonel gave up his sword, the rebel general, observing that the 
hilt and blade were broken, inquired: "Colonel, when was this 
done ?" "This morning, sir, in the fight," was the reply. Gen. 
Walker said, "You deserve to keep this, — here are the marks 
of bravery and honor. 1 will give orders that it be returned to 
you, sir." The sword was sent to Gen. Early, who directed that 
it be kept in the prison office at Libby. Two or three months 
thereafter, it was sent through the lines, under Hag of truce, to 
the father of Col. Ely, while the latter was yet a prisoner. A cor- 
respondent of the New York Herald at that time says: "Col. Ely 
endeared himself to his command by the tenacity with which he 
stood by his men, and shared with them the privations of captiv- 
ity." Gen. Milroy, in an address to the Eighteenth at Martins- 
buro-, a few months later, said: "Boys, you stood that day where 
onlv brave men could stand." As already said. Col. Ely gave all 
his'officers and men a high compliment for their bravery on that 
fatal 15th day of June, 1863. 

Our killed, wounded and captured amounted to five hundred 
and ninety-seven. Col Ely and Lieut. Col. Nichols, being dis- 
mounted, were easily captured. Major Feale was well mounted, 
and seeing the day was lost, called around him about thirty of the 
scattered men and made his escape with th(;m to Harper's Ferry 
by a circuitous route, his horse being wounded in the attempt. 
In the confusion that followed the sudden attack upon the Union 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 119 



forces, and after the surrender, more than two liundred men es- 
caped rebel capture. Had the captured officers and men of the 
Eighteenth known what awaited them in rebel prisons, or in cap- 
tivity, it is more than probable that many more of the regiment 
would have been of the number who took refuge in the moun- 
tains and made their way into the Union lines. 

It was mortifying, indeed, to be compelled to surrender to the 
rebels, who were dirty, ragged, and insulting in their taunts and 
jeers. They asked our boys how they liked to fight under Mil- 
roy. How they liked the situation; and taunted them with being 
Milroy's thieves. Inquired if we had not better staid at home, 
and said they were on their way to Philadelphia, Baltimore and 
Washington. But the Eighteenth answered them in plucky 
style, telling them that they would "see the elephant" before they 
reached the places they had named. (.And they did.) 

The captured were: — Field and Staff. — Col. William G. Ely, 
Lieut. Col. Monroe Nichols, Surgeon Lowell Holbrook, Quarter- 
master Dwight W. Hakes. 

Non-Commissiond Staff. — Hospital Steward J. I). Ri])ley, Ser- 
geant Major, Albert S. Granger, Commissary Sergeant, Timothy 
Parker. 

These and twenty-one commissioned officers of the line, whose 
names will appear elsewhere, with four hundred and eighty-seven 
privates were marched back to Winchester. 

After the defeat of Gen. Milroy, the wildest rumors were 
spread over the North, as to the extent of the disaster. As 
might have been expected. Eastern Connecticut was excited, and 
the most distressing fears prevailed as to the fate of the Eigh- 
teenth. The letters of those who escaped into the Union lines 
were filled with the most exaggerated statements, as to the ex- 
tent of the casualties, deaths and captures One writer said: 
"When 1 left, the Eighteenth were fighting like bull-dogs, and I 
expect they are all cut to pieces. Lieut. Col. Nichols was report- 
ed wounded, Surgeon Holbrook was seen to leap from his saddle 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



and fall to the i^roiind, and was supposed to be dead; Captains 
Bowen and Warner were reported killed. The former was 
wounded in both legs, and as they were carrying him from the 
held on a litter, he raised his head, and a ritle-ball struck him in 
the head, killing him instantly. Lieut. Caruthers was shot in 
the breast, and was surely dead." Another report said, "There 
are nine ofificers killed and wounded and the remainder are pris- 
oners." Another wrote, "I fear the f^ighteenth Connecticut is 
annihilated," Of course, tliese reports increased the general 
anxiety, and elicited the deepest sympathy from all in the com- 
munity. In the midst of this distress and uncertainty, the editor 
of the Windham County Transcript wrote as follows: 'AVe have 
no need to say to our readers, that the past ten days have been 
days of intense and painful anxiety, on the part of the citizens of 
this county; and the hea\ \- burden has not now been fully lifted 
from the minds and hearts of our people. In these hours of sad- 
ness we have one consolation, the Eighteenth never Hinched. 
They met the shock of battle with a bravery and determination 
that has not been surpassed in the present war. The Eighteenth, 
with their gallant Col. Ely, who proved himself worthy to lead 
as brave men as ever went to battle, will receive the homage due 
to the heroic." 

"To how many has come the last bugle call to duty, we cannot 
now ascertain. -Some we know to have been killed and wounded, 
and for the friends of these, the hearts of all beat with solemn 
sympathy. But such always is the fruit of war, and such has 
been from the beginning." It was several weeks before the fate 
of the regiment was fully ascertained. The news grew better 
every day. Not so many as some feared were among the dead 
and wounded, though Milroy's command was nearly destroyed, 
and it was a wonder that so many escaped. 

The officers and men marched back to Winchester, where they 
arrived about noon of the same day. The town was filled with 
rebel soldiers and the greatest excitement prevailed. The 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



women were out in full force to rejoice over the capture. 
Winchester did not appear like the same place as when it was 
occupied by the Union forces. The prophecy of the rebel women 
had been fulfilled, <uid great was their joy. It was amusing to 
observe with what contempt they looked upon the hated Yan- 
kees. One would have supposed they regarded the war as nearly 
ended, and they thought Lee was sure to go to Baltimore and 
Washington, and make short work of the war. 

The captured remained in the town but a short time, and then 
were marched back to the -Star Fort they left so secretly in the 
morning. The rebels called this "P^ort Jackson," in honor, no 
doubt, of "Stonewall Jackson." Here the men were closely 
watched, and every i)recaution taken to prevent their escape. 
Their condition was miserable indeed, being crowded into the 
fort with about three thousand other prisoners, without shelter 
from the rays of a burning sun by da\-, and mostly without 
blankets during the cold dews of night. In the daytime it was 
hot and dusty, with wind enough to blow the sand from the par- 
apet, completely covering the men from head to foot. No rations 
were issued until the second day late in the afternoon, and these 
consisted only of seven hard-tack and a small piece of salt junk 
to each man, for twenty-four hours. These rations were grate- 
fully received, as most of the men had had nothing to eat since 
early the previous morning. The men, however, took other 
measures to supply their wants. The rebels guarding the very 
stores which had been intended for us, and which we were 
obliged to abandon in our retreat, a plan was devised to re- 
capture a portion of them. It was this: one would engage the 
rebel pickets in conversation, while another would seize a barrel 
of pork, tip it over, and roll it into the crowd. The head would 
be smashed in, and the pork distributed in less time than it takes 
to relate the transaction. The boys cut up a great many pranks 
with the rebels, while in the fort. They even took the linch- 
pins from the wheels of the gun-carriages and caissons, which 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



annoyed the rebels very much. They offered fifty dollars to any 
one who would tell who did it, but of course no one knew. The 
Yankees were captured but not conquered, or subdued, and if the 
rebels taunted them, they were ready to talk back with vi.^ror. 

The rebels were thus j^^reatly annoyed by their unsubdued 
prisoners, and it was (|uite evi'liMit it would not do to keep 
such men long at Winchester. They were too near the Union 
lines, hence preparations were made to send the "saucy and 
troublesome Yanks" farthi-r down into Dixie. About noon, on 
Tuesday, the i6th of Jun(\ the officers were sent back to the city 
and the privates remaincil in the fort and drew one day's rations, 
as before stated. On the i 7th, the bo)'i found their condition 
worse than ever. The dust was so thick on their faces that 
they could hardly tell one from another. At length the order 
came to march which was a great relief, for any change seemed 
better than to remain in the fort. No order was ever obeyed 
more willingly, although the boys knew not whither they were 
going, with certainty, nor what awaited them. It was late in the 
afternoon when they marched out under the command oi Col. 
Hoard. As they passed through Winchester again it was ascer- 
tained that their officers were a little way in advance, and were 
not permitted to have the slightest intercourse with their men. 
The first night they marched about ten miles, and camped in a 
beautiful place not far above Newtown, the march being up in- 
stead of down the volley. The women in Newtown oflered every 
insult to the hated Yankees whenever opportunity offered. The 
place where they camped that night furnished good water, which 
was highly appreciated, and besides there was a clean place to 
sleep. In the opinion of one man: "This seems like Heaven 
compared with our (juarters in Fort Jackson." They slept sweet- 
ly that night. Early the next morning they resumed their march 
passing through Middletown, and about a half mile further on 
halted for breakfast. Rations consisted of a pint of fiour and a 
little piece of bacon. The flour was mixed with water, and baked 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 123 



in thin cakes over the fire, or in the ashes. These cakes were 
called "left Davis' custards," and "tough )-arns." Here the men 
caui;-ht sight of their ofticers and gave them tliree hearty cheers 
which were returned with a will; but there was no time to talk 
with them, as they were hurried off' at once. Here also many of 
the men had a chance to wash although they could not change 
their linen. 

About noon the march was resr.mctl. and in the middle of the 
afternoon the prisoners passed through Strasburg. 'I'he secesh 
hatred was more viciously displayed here than in an)- previous 
place. The men, however, were getting accustomed to their 
treatment and did not mind it much, responding with some 
Union songs, appropriate to the occasion, or dealing out a little 
Yankee; wit for variety. About this time a heav)' shower of rain 
and hail came, the hailstones being as large as birds' eggs. 
No shelter was to be had, and so the mt^n trudged on through 
the mud and water for four or five miles, passing over Fisher's 
Hill, and stopping near where a bridge had been burned. The 
rain continued without cessation. However the men gathered a 
pile of rails, and alter a while had a camp fire well burning-, 
around which they assembled and made themselves comparative- 
ly comfortable. Many were kept up all night, being so thoroughly 
wet that they were afraid of taking cold if they should lie down. 

"Ten months ago to-day," said one of the prisoners, "we were 
mustered into the servici; of the United States. Quite a contrast 
between our condition then and now. Then we were taking up 
arms; now we are marching as prisoners ol war, without arms, to 
Richmond. .Such is the; late ol soklic-rs." 

Col. Board, it is said, was considerate and kind, more so than 
was at first anticipated. He used no harsh or unkind language, 
and seemed dispensed to do what he could lor the comfort of his 
prisoners. During the night referred to, he halted his command 
on a side hill, informing the prisoners that he could do no better 
for -them. The rain continued to pour, the water did not stand 



124 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



in pools, on account of the sloping nature of the position. Some of 
the officers found lodgings in a barn, which was already occupied 
by whole divisions of fleas. These little rebels proved very 
troublesome through the night, and left the evidence of their 
fighting qualities upon their victims in the shape of great blotches 
on the men, who had to strip themselves nearly naked to get rid 
of them. The men who took refuge under the arches of the burn- 
ed bridge, or stood, or sa-t up, fared as well, if not a little better 
than the others. One man sat down on a stump, drew his blanket 
over his head and spent the night in painful reverie. The situa- 
tion was decidedly unfavorable to flow of spirits, but all seemed 
inclined to make the best of it. If the Jordans sang that night, 
"Hist up the Hag," there is no record of it. The rebel guard was 
also thoroughly wearied and sleepy. So much so that it was 
thought that an escape might have been easily effected, to the 
mountains on either side- the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies. 
One of the officers said afterwards: "How often in my prison 
hours I looked back to that time and wished I had made my es- 
cape on that eventful night." Early Friday morning we were 
again on the move, marching through tall grass, the men got 
their feet thoroughly wet by the time they reached the pike, and 
they went on slipping about in their shoes. Passed through 
Woodstock, twenty-eight miles from Winchester, about eight A. 
M. A very hot day, halted for rest, and cooked a custard or two 
for lunch. 

Woodstock is quite a pleasant place. Here, as elsewhere, the 
presence of so man)- pris(Micrs attracted universal attention and 
surprise. 

Early in the afternoon, reached Edenburgh, a low, dingy look- 
ing place and thoroughly rebellious. At one house a queer look- 
ing old lady came out, leaned over the door yard fence, and look- 
ing over her glass in wild astonishment, cried out, "Lizzie, do 
look here, we have got all of Lincoln's men. I don't believe he has 
got a dozen left." The bo)s, tired and foot-sore as they were, 




?^J-' Mi' ^r" 



Capt. THOMAS K. BATES. 



CONNECTJCUT VOLUNTEERS. 125 



could not refrain from hearty laughter at the old lady's ignorance. 
"On to Richmond," however, soon began to be rather serious busi- 
ness. Poor, scanty rations and continuous marching, was telling 
on the constitutions of the men, and taxing their powers to 
the utmost. 

But the prevailing belief, among officers and men, was that in 
twenty days they would be back again in the Union lines, helped 
to keep up courage and endurance. 

Those who at first fancied it might be a pleasant jaunt to go up 
the valley, see the beautiful country, take a view also of the rebel 
Capitol and perhaps see Jeff. Davis himself, were now quite wil- 
ling to abandon the enterprise to other parties, who might have 
any special craving for it. Thirty-nine miles from Winchester, 
we passed through a dilapidated looking place called Morgan- 
town, and a little further on halted in the woods, and some of 
the boys were soon asleep. 

Their slumbers were soon disturbed, and shortly after resum- 
ing the march, it began to rain very hard, the storm being at- 
tended with a driving wind, drenching the men completely to the 
skin, which was anything but comfortable. Four miles further 
we came to Mount Jackson, where the night was spent, the men 
occupying comfortable barracks, which had been erected either 
by Gen. Banks or Gen. Fremont, in their occupancy of the valley 
a year before. The officers were assigned to these barracks and 
the men had an opportunity to see them once more. The bar- 
racks, however, soon became very wet and muddy, owing to the 
terrible rain, but the men, after cooking rations, more at their leis- 
ure than usual, enjoyed a good night's rest, some of them 
stretching their weary limbs upon a hospital bedstead. 

The trip of the Fighteenth to Richmond wasTull of interesting 
incidents. The boys were ever ready, in true Yankee style, "to 
give their enemies as good as was sent" in the way of jokes and 
repartee. One incident ought not to be overlooked, as showing 
that the Yankees were not to be outdone in the line of sarcasm 



126 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



and misrepresentation, and thereby affording fun for every one in 
the most trying situation. "Tom." Jordan, Company H, was 
always ready for an emergency. On one occasion he took the 
hberty to approach a rebel officer, and began to discuss the pro- 
bable issues of the war. Among other things "Tom." inquired: 
"What do you e.xpect to do with all us fellows } The South will 
not be able to raise enough to feed us." The officer replied 
that the "South could furnish enough to keep the whole Federal 
army for five years," and then added, "The North will have to 
submit. Just see how short they are of all the necessities of life. 
In the city of New York last week, according to a reliable state- 
ment, there was not to be found more than eight hundred barrels 
of flour. Beef and pork were thirty cents per pound, and there 
is a fine prospect of the North soon coming to want." 

"Why man," said Tom., "if the North have as much as you say, 
they will get along well enough up there;" and then, to make the 
rebel statement appear as ridiculous as possible, he went on: "All 
the North have has been loaned them by the; Canadians. There 
has been nothing at all raised in the North since the first gun was 
fired on Sumpter, and all through New England the people are 
pretty much exhausted for want of something to eat. The city of 
New York has only two barrels of Hour, and beef is worth ten 
dollars per pound." This was a little too broad even for rebel 
credulity, and the officer, raising himself up, and looking over 
the crowd yelled: "1 say you red whiskered fellow, over 
there, you are an infernal liar. 1 have been North myself." It 
is needless to say that this reply was greeted with shouts of 
lauo^hter. While waiting for the cars at Staunton, the men, 
though completely tired out, were still read)- to joke the rebel 
crowd as usual, and gave them to understand, that when the 
prisoners came that way again the table would be turned and the 
Yankees would have things all their own way. 

The first train moved out of Staunton about two P. M., and a 
second soon followed. About fifty men were crowded into one 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 127 



box, or cattle car, with the intent, it would seem, to make them 
as uiicomtortal)le as possible. Then an engine, which had evi- 
dently seen its best days, was attached to the first train, and pro- 
ceeded very slowly over an up grade, hitching ant! jerking along, 
and occasionally coming to a dead halt, which caused a concus- 
sion between the cars. Had there been any space between the 
unfortunates, the bunting process would have been not only dis- 
agreeable, but decidedly dangerous. 

"I cannot say," writes a comrade, "that our first impression of 
railroad travel in the .Southern Confederacy was very favorable;" 
and another comments: "It was about the roughest riding I ever 
saw. We had to sit on the bottom of the cars, and do the best 
we could. Added to all, we had no rations and suffered much 
from hunger." 

The grade was steep, the track passing through a mountainous 
country. The first slop[)ing place was called I'isherville, about 
one hundred and thirt_\- miles from Richmond; the next was Way- 
nesboro. Then came a succession of tunnels of pitch darkness, 
and of unusual length, one being over a mile long. T)ie night 
that followed was a long and weary one to those whose condition 
was so painful that they could find little or no sleep or rest. Hap- 
py for those who could say, "I had no realizing sense of what 
passed during that long ride through the mountains." At day 
break the next morning, stopped at Hanover Junction, twenty- 
seven miles from Richmond. Here a portion of the second train 
changed cars, taking a first class platform conveyance, which af- 
forded a fine opportunity to see the country. .Some of those who 
were fortunate enough to have money, bought something 
to eat, paying one dollar for sixteen cakes, one inch square, a 
price that was said to be very cheap. Passing on we began to 
encounter objects of interest which attracted general attention. 
The position that General McClellan occupied, when he was so 
near the rebel capital, was pointed out. His headquarters, and 
the rirte-pits occupied by his troops, were shown to the inquisitive 



128 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Yankees, by a brakeman, as also a place where many of the fed- 
eral and rebel dead were buried. "A feelin^f of awe came over 
us," says one of the boys, "as we realized that we were in the 
vicinity of the places where so many terril^le battles were foui^dit." 
It was about sunrise when the first train halted in the suburbs 
of the Capital of the .Southern Confederacy. At the words "fall 
in." the men were in line, the officers heading the column, and 
the march for Libby began, the spectacle attracting general 
attention, as the long line of rough and wearied Yankees passed 
through the streets. The rebel citizens were very jubilant over 
the capture of so many officers, there being about one hundred 
and thirty in the squad, to which the officers of the Eighteenth 
were attached. On the way, a little girl came along with bread 
for sale, twenty-five cents per loaf, and those who could command 
that sum readily parted with it for the staff of life, as they were 
almost famished, having had no rations since the Sunday preced- 
ing, three days of rebel barbarity. Continuing the march the 
line soon reached a large brick building, bearing the sign "Libby 
& Sons," upon one corner. While we were being marched into 
this famous rebel prison, (once a tobacco manufactory), some 
boys, seated on the fence opposite, were singing: 

"Jeff Davis is a wise man, 
Lincoln is a fool; 
Davis rides a white horse 
While Lincoln rid«s a mule." 

Then followed derisive laughter, and various other insults, 
to which the men were not long in learning, they must submit in 
silence. Late in the afternoon another squad of the Eighteenth 
arrived, and the remainder came in the next morning. After 
being fairly within the prison walls all the men were subjected to 
a rigid examination, the officers having been previously put into 
a different department. Then rebel examiners, armed with re- 
volvers and bowie knives, began their search of the men. They 
first took away the rubber blankets and canteens, and writing 
materials. Then each man was compelled to empty his pockets. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 129 



Many of the officers and men lost what Httle money they had. 
E\ ery means were used by the prisoners, however, to prevent the 
rebels from getting; hold of their money. One officer saved sev- 
enteen dollars by ripping open a corner (jf his under shirt, and 
concealing his greenbacks from rebel scrutin}. Of course, these 
examiners were very anxious to get hold of all the greenbacks 
they could, and they spared nothing which was considered of any 
value to their prisoners. 

After all the officers had been searched, they were put into an- 
other room, with about one hundred and fifty others, consisting 
mostly of Col. .Straight's raiding party, taken at Rome, Georgia, 
about a month previous. Many amusing incidents occurred 
during the examination. .After the men had given up what they 
felt obliged to part with, the rebels passed their hands over the 
prisoners' clothing from head to foot, taking such articles as they 
pleased. When they came to George H. Ray, of Company A. he 
passed out his bible. Ihe rebel looked blank enough for a mo- 
ment but recovering, said, "This is a good book" and handecl it 
back. Ray then gave him the Christian Examiner. This was 
scrutinized closely, and then passed back with the remark, "I 
guess this is a good paper." It was provoking to the men to 
have articles taken from them, which were of no real value to any 
one but themselves, such as photographs of loved ones at home 
and other mementoes of friendship. ISut the rel:)el tormentors 
vied with each other in their graceless treatment of the prisoners. 
The examination being over, the men were ordered to a depart- 
ment on the third floor, and were threatened with death if they 
presumed to look out ol the wimlow, or made the least demons- 
tration towards the outer world. 

There were about sc\en huiulred men in this department of 
the prison, and all the light and air received were through three 
small windows at each end of the room. It is needless to say that 
the stejich, arising from such close confinement, was almost intol- 
erable. But few of the men dared to go near the winclow^ for 



13© EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



fear of being shot, as the rebel g^uard seemed anxious to get a 
shot at the hated Yankees. 

The rations consisted of bread, fresh meal and pea, or bean 
soup — a pailful for twenty men. The tirst supper in Libby 
eonsi.sted of four ounces of bread, and a pint of very thin soup. 
The night following will never be forgotten. With the hard side 
of an oak plank for a bed. anci the oppressive atmosphere of the 
room, it recjuired great fortitude and patience to bear up. Wed- 
nesday morning, June 25th, was a memorable time for the cap- 
tured of the Eighteenth, as another .squad came from .Staunton and 
passed through the same ordeal, so trying to those who had meet 
a similar experience the day before. It was hard for the men to 
remain submissive, while thtn were being stripped of every article 
of value they possessed. 

A sergeant belonging to a Kentucky regiment, brought in with 
our boys that morning made the remark, as they took his haver- 
sack, that he thought it rather hard they should take so many 
things from the f:)oys. when one of the guard replied: "What 
business have you to say anything about it. 1 will learn you to 
mind your own business." He then drew a stout cord from his 
pocket, placed the sergeant's arms behind him, firmly tied his 
thumbs together, then jjutting the cord over a beam drew him up 
until his toes just touched the floor, and kept him suspended in 
the air fifteen minutes, the poor fellow suffering the greatest 
agony and nearly fainting away. A few days afterward another 
offender was punished in the same manner for forty-five min- 
utes. 

One of the Eighteenth was standing near the window as a rebel 
officer was passing on the opposite side of the street, when the 
latter, calling to the guard, said, ".Shoot the d — n Yankee in that 
window. Report says that it was very common to shoot Yankee 
prisoners under similar cirumstances, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



CHAPTHR V 



i)N KKl.I.K ISLAND. 



About noon to-day six hundred prisoners including a large 
portion of the Eighteenth were marched out of Libby and on to' 
Belle Island. About three o'clock in the afternoon the remainder 
of the regiment excepting the officers followed. 

The Richmond papers call Belle Ishuul the Southern paradise. 
The island is situatetl in the James Ri\er, about half a mile from 
Libby, and is connected with the main land by a long bridj^e. 
This bridge was very heavily guarded. The camp for the prison'- s 
occupied about two acres of ground, sin-rounded by a ditch from' 
six to seven feet wide and four deep, outside ot this was a stroncV 
rebel guard. Into this enclosure were crowded about four thou- 
sand men. The tents were very fi-w and poor at that, and manv of 
the men slept on the ground without shelter or blankets. 

1 he water was better than in the prison, but the rations were' 
not so good, nor so plent\-. It did seem as though the men would' 
perish from hunger alone, to say nothing of the continued ex- 
posure to the weather, it beiny so cool at night, and so hot 
through the day. 

The men were divided into squads of one hundred each under 
the care and inspection of a sergeant who drew and distributed the 
rations for them, each man receiving the same amount per day, 
as when in Libby. The bread, sa\s one of the boys, was \erv 
geod, but there was not enough of the meat to ascertain whether 



132 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

it was good or not, and as lor the soup, had we been at home 
we should have thought it hardly tit for the hogs, it was so lilthy. 
None of us ever knew what it was to he hungry before we landed 
on that islantl. While awake our minds would be continually 
occupied in thinking about something to satisfy the demands of 
hunger, and when asleep, we would dream of bounteous repasts 
spread before us, but alw;i\s just out of our reach. It was a 
terrible feeling and would ha\<- destrojed the reason of the men 
in a short time. We would pick up old bones that had been 
lying around camp and lioil them to get what nourishment we 
could in that way. We were all so weak from hunger, that we could 
hardly exercise at all. Those men who had money could buy 
bread once in a while, but those of us who had no money were 
obliged to content ourselves in hoping for better days to 
come." 

About this time rumor was busy in circulating reports of a 
spe«"dy release from cai^tivity, on a parole of honor. One day 
the boys were full of hope and the next, their jubiliant feelings 
were depressed, hope deferred makes the heart sick. In the mean- 
time, every means within our power were employed to make 
our sad condition endural)le. The water for washing or drink- 
ing purposes was extremely- bad, and relief was sought by digging 
small holes in the camp, about four feet deep. The water thus 
obtained, was thought to be a little better than that procured from 
the river, but it was far from being fit to use, and was the cause 
of more sickness among the men than all other causes combined. 

There was such a large nLuuber of |irisoners on the Island, the 
rebels were constantly under the apprehension that an effort 
would be made to escape by overpowering the guard. To pre- 
vent this there were three or four pieces of artillery brought to 
bear on the Island and a small force of infantry were posted a 
short distance away, to be ready for any emergency. The guard 
had strict orders to keep a sharp lookout and shoot the first man 
immediately who was found beyond a certain line. Conversation 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



was prohibited with the prisoners, but this order was not strictly 
obeyed as some of the guard were \'er\- anxious to strike a bar- 
wain with the "Yanks" on every convenient occasion. It was 
perfectly amusing to see how anxious the rebels were to get hold 
of the United States currency. Greenbacks were in great de- 
mand both with soldiers and citizens. Those of the prisoners 
who were so fortunate a-, to have any of this currency could buy 
four times as much in iiuantity of any article as with the same 
amount of Confederate currency. The boys who sold bread to 
the soldiers, would cry out, one loaf of l>read for a Confederate 
dollar and four loaves for one dollar "greenback." What was this 
but owning the Confederate cause was already lost. This was 
virtually the case when the folloving repl\- was given to the ques- 
tion: "Why do )ou sell more bread for one dollar in greenback 
than for a Confederate dollar?" "Oh, that is easily answered, 
your money will be worth more than ours bye and bye." 

Quite a brisk trade was carried on with the rebels in tobacco. 
The weed was not bread nor as necessary, yet there were many 
who Would have it, as a good "quid" now and then seemed a comfort 
to them in their misery. "Tom" seemed to have a great faculty to 
trade with the rebels in anything, and in this article it is said, he 
did quite a successful business, buying of the "rebs" and selling 
to his fellow prisoners at a small profit. One man in Company 
H thought he could comi^ete with "Tom" in the trade, 
"Tom" was to furnish the article for his competitor. He 
did so and after two days" trial, having sold only twenty cents 
worth, he returns his unsold stock to "Tom" with the emphatic 
exclamation, "There "Tom" take this infernal stuff, I could sell 
anything else better than tobacco." It is true "Tom" was a great 
trader but the men wanted bread. More bread was the daily cry 
at Belle Island at that time. 

Sunday, June 28th, i 1.30 o'clock, the usually small pittance of 
rations were issued. "We were ver)' hungry, says one of the boys, 
it having been nineteen and a half hours, since we received a 



134' EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



ration." He adds: "Alas, this was too soon i^one and we smacked 
out lips for more. " 

The rebels were greatly frightened on that .Sunday. A Union 
raid up the peninsular approached within four miles of Richmond. 
It was observed by the prisoners that there was great e.xcitemenl 
in the city. Troops were sent on the Richmond and Petersburg- 
Railroad as rapidly as possible all day long, and citizens were under 
arms, including boys fifteen and sixteen years old, and every 
means and precaution were used to give the hated \'ankees a 
warm reception. 

At night, however, the trouble was over and next day all was 
quiet as usual. 

The evening of the 30th, was a time of great joy to the cap- 
tives, rumors had been rite through the da)' of a speedy parole. 
About dark the order was given, "fall in," and was obeyed on the 
double quick. The boys were then marched outside the camp 
and told that they were to be paroled that night and start for 
City Point at 3 o'clock the next morning. .\ correspondent says: 
A more joyous and light-hearted body of men were never together 
than we were on the reception of this news. Man) of the bo) s 
hardly knew what to do with themselves, being so completely 
overjoyed at the thought of so soon bidding adi(Hi to rebel 
"hospitality" and sitting under the old flag once more. Our 
small allowance of meat and i)read was dealt out to us for the 
next day, but was quickly devoured by a majorit)' of the boys in 
somewhat of a greedy manner, after this, were told we could lie 
down and sleep. It was a beautiful night and our accommodations 
for sleep far better than inside of the camp. But the boys were 
so elated at the idea of their freedom there was but little sleep 
done that night. One of the boys who has since slept that "sleep 
that knows no waking," wrote as follows in his journal the next 
da), "I la) two or three hours watching the stars. The full moon 
shone brightly, making the night almost as light as the day. and 
although we were prisoners yet it seemed very pleasant to get out 




Cart. CHARLES E. BDWEK. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 135 



upon the green grass once more." At length the hour of three 
A. M. came, nearly every man was awake and anxiously waiting 
to hear the order. "'Eighteenth Connecticut fall in," t)ut no such 
order was heard. The joyous sound had beien anxiously waited 
for, and what a disappointment. In painful suspense the boys 
waited until six o'clock, and then they were informed that the 
order for their release had been countermanded, the reason as 
signed was that a bridge on the Richmond and Petersburg Rail- 
road had broken down and they must wait re|)airs. The men were 
then ordered back into camp, and they olieyed with feelings which 
no pen can describe. 

What a change came over the spirits of those men. Every 
countenance so radiant with joy but a few hours before now gave 
the clearest evidence of sorrow, too deep and painful for expres- 
sion, — one of Company A says: "I think, none of as were more 
thoroughly disheartened during the whole time we were prisoners 
than at that moment." .And it is no wonder, the thought of 
returning again to that filthy miserable camp, was almost enough 
to drive one to tlistraction and madnes.s. Those who have not 
been captive in a .Southern prison, can have but little conception 
of the real soul agony of that hour. 

To add to their misery on their return it was found that even 
the poor tents which some had occupied were in possession of 
others, and we were obliged to receive the rays of a scorching sun 
without the least protection. "All we could do sa;,s one, was to 
make the best of it. I bought three small biscuits for one dollar 
and very poor at that." 

.About ten A. M, another order came to remove three hundred 
of the prisoners over to Libby. This number consisted of a por- 
tion of the cavah-)-, artillery and each of the diBereiit regiments 
of inf.inlry represented m the camps. Compan) .\ and the non- 
commissione'd officers of Company \\ were the onl) ones of the 
Eighteenth Connecticut X'olunteers, which the order included. 
But \\ t will let George H. Ray, of Compau)' .\. tell the rest of 



136 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



this story. "We knew not what was to be done with us, but 
hoped we were to be fortunate enough to be paroled. The re- 
mainder of our poor boys crowded as near the embankment as 
they dared to bid us good-bye, and to say what message to send 
to their friends at home, should they be fortunate enough to 
reach Yankee land. Never shall 1 forget the earnest, longing 
look depicted on their faces as w(' marched away. Reached Libby 
about noon, and were ordered to make our quarters on the first 
floor. While marching over from the Island, a little incident oc- 
curred which is perhaps worthy of notice. -Some of the boys who 
had a little money, wished to purchase bread of the little fellows 
selling it in the streets uf the city, but were not allowed to do so 
by the guard. I was much amused to see one of the little fellows 
who had been trying for some time to get near enough to us to 
sell some of his bread, but was driven away several times. Com- 
ing up again and getting as near as he could, and keeping his 
eyes upon the guard, he threw two or three loaves to our boys, at 
the same time e.xclaiming "there, they have them in spite ot you." 
The afternoon was devoted to cleaning our persons as we had 
opportunity, water being brought into the prison from the river, 
by means of pipes. We made a business of it too, for each one 
had accumulated a pretty respectable portion of mother earth 
during our stay on the Island." 

Rations were issued about dark, after which we prepared lor 
sleep. About eleven o'clock we were aroused by the entrance of 
the prison officials, one of whom exclaimed in a harsh voice, "fall 
in." This command brought us to our feet at once, and we were 
in line just as soon as each one could scrape together the few 
articles remaining in his pf)ss(;ssion. We were then counted by 
one of these rascals, who imnudiately began to curse in a hor- 
rible manner, declaring that there were eknen more men in the 
room than belonged there, and that they had better step out 
and go up to the secontl tloor, or he would take means to find 
them out and punish them severely. No one stirred, so he con- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 137 

tinned cursing and threatening until lie was nearly out (jf breath, 
when he commanded us to remain where we were, and not move 
an inch under penalty of very severe punishment while he went 
up stairs to count the prisoners on the second and third lloors. 
After doing this, he came down, raging worse than ever, threaten- 
ing if those eleven men did not step out, he would send us all 
back to Belle Island, and that we should be the last to be paroled. 
But all remained quiet as before. We began to fear that our last 
hope had vanished, when he came to the conclusion he would 
count us once more, and by comparing the number with his mem- 
orandum, learned that he had made a mistake, and that we were 
all right. He then left us; a short time afterward we were or- 
dered to fall in, this time for parole. A rebel captain then came 
in, and ordering a certain number of us to raise our right hands, 
proceeded to read the parole, the substance of which was, that 
we would not take up arms again against the Government of the' 
Confederate States of America until we were lawfully e.\changed. 
Each man was required separately to assent to this parole. The 
officer then went to the second and third floors above and paroled 
those there, eight hundred in all. We were then left to ourselves 
again until about two o'clock, when we were ordered to march out. 
This order was obeyed in e.xcellent time. Every one who had 
a blanket was ordered to leave it in the prison, under penalty of 
being sent back to I^elle Island, and to cap the clima.x, as we 
passed out, our cups, knives, forks, spoons and plates were taken, 
thereby depriving us of everything we had when we were cap- 
tured, e.xcept the clothing on our backs. Each man then received 
a small piece of bread, after which we took up our line of march 
for the R. & P. R. R. depot with a light step and much lighter 
hearts. As we passed Castle Thunder we were greeted by a 
number of ladies, who had been held as hostages, and who were 
to go on the same train with us. Not a word was spoken by 
either party, but the silent waving of handkerchiefs and hands, 
in that early dawn, expressed the feelings of all as well or better 



138 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



than words could have done. Arriving at the depot we were or- 
dered into old, and worn-out freight cars, the ladies having 
been provided with a passenger car, and soon after we started for 
Petersburg. Progress was very slow, and about two-thirds of the 
distance was completed when we were obliged to switch off, and 
wait for trains. Here we were detained about an hour, which seemed 
much longer. Passing along a little further, we came to where 
a bridge was broken down, and were obliged to change cars on 
the opposite side. Here we met the eight hundred rebel prisoners, 
on their way to Richmond in exchange for us. They presented 
a striking contrast to us, were all hale and hearty, had their blan- 
kets, knapsacks, canteens and haversacks with them, while we had 
not a single article in that line left us. This made the boys feel 
unpleasant, but concluding discretion to be the better part of 
valor, they said but little. Reached Petersburg about ten o'clock, 
having been six hours making the distance from Richmond. Here 
we changed cars again, and were delayed but a few moments, 
when we started for City Point. Nothing of special interest oc- 
cured on the route until we came to the river and saw the tlag 
of truce boat, with the old flag waving in the breeze. Then the 
cheers that went up from the boys were fairly deafening. It was 
a moment of profound interest, and the impression one never 
to be effaced. I doubt if any of us ever experienced a happier 
moment. 

The first paroled sijuad of the Eighteenth, Company A and 
ten men of Company B, never saw the "old flag" under such in- 
teresting circumstances before. To them it was the emblem of 
liberty, peace and plenty. Under the dominion of the "rebel rag" 
they had been shamefully abused, degradetl, almost starved, and 
treated like dogs, but the da)^ of redemption had come, and no 
wonder the boys were filled with transports of jo\-. Cheer after 
cheer went up for the old n;\g, much to the chagrin and discom- 
fort of the rebels, who were soon to surrender these men to the 
protection of the "Stars and .Stripes." The last act was accomp- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 139 

lished about ten o'clock A. M., July 2d. The men went on board 
the steamer New York, and were soon luxuriatinoon Uncle Sam's 
coffee, meat, and good bread. Such a feast, and it was made the 
most of. The voyage to Annapolis, Md., was delightful, at which 
place the New York, with its joyous occupants, arrived Friday, 
July 3d, and the men were sent to the parole camp. 

There still remained on Belle Island the remainder of Com- 
pany B, about fifty members of Company G; of C, lift)-four; D, 
eight; H, si.xty; F, fifty-three; H, forty-nine and forty-one of Com- 
pany 1. It was a matter of great wonder to them why they 
could not have been paroled with the others. It seemed to them 
harder and more cruel than ever to submit to their fati,-. The fourth 
of July was a gloomy day on Belie Island; never had these men 
seen the return of "Independence day" under such deplorable 
circumstances. Some of the boys tried to make the best of the 
situation, and celebrate by singing patriotic songs, and bidding de- 
fiance to rebel hate and power. On the whole as one of the boys, 
James M. Smith, Company K, wrote in his daily journal, "It 
was about the most lonesome Fourth I ever saw." During the day 
the men were ordered out into line and counted. The rebels were 
sure to keep a sharp lookout for the liberty loving Yankees, es- 
pecially on 'Independence day.' If the boys had been well in- 
formed as their comrades at Annapolis on that memorable Fourth, 
they would have made the ears of the rebels tingle with their 
shouts. For on that day the tide oi rebellion was turned at Get- 
tysburg — the National Unity was virtually restored, and the 
.Stars and Stripes rose again with new splender and glory. 

But the boys had no way of getting the news except by smug- 
gling rebel papers. For several days about this time copies of a 
paper were in some way secured; or as late as the 7th of July a 
Richmond paper was obtained, but it had no news of importance. 
The news at that time was not of the right kind to circulate very 
freely at the rebel capital. Nearly half of Lee's army was de- 
stroyed, and the remaining portion, in a shattered condition, was 



I40 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



in full retreat up the Shenandoah. The men who had jeered 
and laughed at the misfortunes of the Eighteenth Connecticut, 
on the 13th of June, were either lying wounded or dead on the 
fields of Gettysburg, or a discomfited, disorganized mass seeking 
safety from Union bullets and bayonets. They had learned to 
their sorrow that "one rebel could not whip five Yankees." On 
the sixth day of this month one thousand more Union prisoners 
were paroled. Among this number there was another squad of 
the Eighteenth, who arrived at Annapolis on the 9th of July. 
On the 10th rebel papers were obtained again. By this time 
they began to publish a part of the truth with reference to the 
disaster to Lee's army, and the hope of a speedy deliverance was 
aroused among the remainder of the regiment on Belle Island. 
On this da)' an event occurred which inspired great indignation: 
a rebel ruffian stabbed a Union soldier who accidently slipped 
into the ditch beyond which none were allowed to pass. On 
July I 2th it was rumored that the remainder of the Eighteenth 
would be paroled the next da)'. But "1 take this rumor," said 
the Smith alread)' quoted, "without giving it much credit." 
Hope deferred had made the heart sick. No wonder he was un- 
believing. But the next day was one of great joy to him and 
other comrades, but not to all. The welcome order came, 
"Eighteenth Connecticut fall in." This was obeyed instantly, 
even those who had been so reduced by want and hardships that 
they could hardly stand, were prompt in getting into line. Yet 
some were doomed to disappointment, hour non-commissioned 
officers of Company C, and some of each company, were marched 
back again wearing sorrovvlui faces. 

The rest, in company with others, about .seven hundred in all, 
were marched over to Lib!))- prison and shut up for the night. 
On the way an old woman gave one of the men a large loaf of 
bread, refusing to receive an)' pay for it. 

July 14th this squad was subjected to the same process as 
former companies, and received in return for their knives, blank- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 141 



ets, cups, plates, &c., only a small ration of bread. Soon the 
men were on the way to the cars, which were to convey them to 
Petersburg. Here we will retire and permit comrade .Smith, of 
Company K, to tell the story of deliverance from rebel rule: 

"We started for the land of plenty, but at a slow rate, looked 
on Belle Island as we passed for the last time, rode throu<di a 
rough-looking country, though abounding with blackberries, on 
which the men made attacks whenever the cars stopped. Ex- 
changed cars at Petersburg for City Point, nine miles, where we 
went on board a transport — the New York. In a short time we 
drew our rations, consisting of coffee, half a loaf of good bread, 
and a large piece of bacon. It was the best meal we had eaten 
for a month. We had also all the coffee we wanted. Soon we 
were under way, and passing down the smooth waters of the fa- 
mous river came in sight of two monitors antl three or four other 
iron-clads. Our men cheered lustily, and the "allant tars re- 
sponded with a will. What a difference the coffee had made in 
our spirits; all were smiling, ch(Mjring, laughing and talkino-. 
Reached Newport News and Hampton Roads about seven o'clock 
P. M., and cast anchor off Fortress Monroe." PVom this place 
the men had a pleasant passage to Annapolis, where we shall 
leave them for the present with their comrades, who had preced- 
ed them, in comfortable quarters, with good rations, new cloth- 
ing, e.xcellent facilities for bathing, and possessing almost every 
convenience and blessing of home-life. "It seems like home," 
said one, "to be once more under the old banner and to 00 and 
come as one pleases." Under these circumstances most of the 
men soon gained their health and spirits, took delight in visiting 
places of public interest, and viewing the delightful scenery of 
the surrounding country lying along the ri\er. 

Having followed the captured portion of the regiment to the 
rebel prison and to parole camp, we will now trace the wan- 
derings of the uncaptured. 



142 EIGHTEENIH REGIMENT 



CHAI'TKR VI. 

THE ESCAl'E FKUM WINCHESTER. 



As soon as it had been determined to evacuate Winchester 
the teamsters were ordered to cut their horses and mules from 
the wac^ons and save them from capture if possible. After the 
attack of the rebels on Monda)- morning many of the teamsters 
ran their horses and mules to the mountains. Several of the 
Ei<^rhteenth teamsters escaped in this way. Henry M. Durfcy, 
wao-on master, writes on Wednesday, as follows: "At half- 
past two o'clock brought up at Hancock. I have had nothing to 
eat since Sunday noon. One of the men has just brought in 
a loaf of bread for five of us. No sleep till last night since Fri- 
day night; slept and fed in a wheat field last night. But in 
comes a cavalryman who says the rebels are within four miles of 
us and I must put out for Pennsylvania. June 19th, at Bedford, 
Pennsylvania. At four P. M. we left Hancock, went seven miles 
and were driven back, and at noon started for Cumberland. 
When we arrived at Flintsville, thirty miles from Cumberland, 
heard the rebels were already there. So we took to the woods, 
sixteen miles from Chaunceyville, and camped for the night. In 
the morning started for this place, twenty-six miles distant. We 
had received nothing to eat for forty-eight hours, except what 
we begged as we jogged along. At Kainsburg — every soldier 
will remember that place — the ladies set their tables with the 
best the place afforded, and every man was made welcome, i 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 143 

ate dinner with ten others and tears stood in ahnost every eye 
as we sat at the table, (^nly twenty of the Eighteenth are here; 
where the rest are the Lord only knows. The rebels are only 
six miles away, our forces are scouting, the bugle sounds, and 
we must be off for Bloody Run. Many others had a similar ex- 
perience; we at length arrived at Bloody Run, and on July 14th 
were among the first to enter Hagerstown, Maryland, after Lee's 
evacuation of the place. 

George Torrey, Company D, color sergeant, saved the State 
banner, being among the number who escaped by way of Bloody 
Run. It was a noble deed, as well as a very hazardous one. It 
was too galling for the officer in comm ind, to see his own State 
colors surrendered to the proud and exultant enemy. But there 
seemed to be no alternative, unless they could be destroyed, and 
it is said an order was given to that effect. But Torrey boldly 
resolved to escape, taking the colors from the staff, and winding 
them around his body. He followed the trail of his retreating 
comrades over the mountains, and the precious burden was cheer- 
fully borne along, during all the long and weary march, and 
at length restored to the shattered and depleted regiment, which 
had fought to the very last to preserve it from falling into the 
hands of the enemy. 

Thus the men who had been sworn to stand by their .State and 
country's flag, were not wanting in the hour of trial. Every 
member Qf the regiment felt a glow of pride, that the rebels had 
failed to ca-pture the beautiful Hag, the gift of the ladies of Nor- 
wich, Conn., and felt bound by special obligations to comrade 
Torrey, for his successful effort to thwart their purpose. All 
honor to the soldier who saved]the state colors. 

On the morning of the fifteenth of June 1863, the Eighteenth 
regiment was broken into several divisions, the largest of which, 
487 men, we have followed from Winchester to Richmond, and 
thence, after eighteen or twenty days, to Annapolis, Md. There 
were about two hundred men who escaped capture, b)- a Hank 



144 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



movement over the mountains to the west, and finally arrived 
at Bloody Run, Penn. It has been stated elsewhere that Com- 
pany 1), under the command of Capt. Joseph Mathewson was 
on special duty on the morning of the fatal fifteenth of June, 
in charge of about forty rebel prisoners. This company, with 
Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-Third, Ohio, and 
Company I), Twelfth Virginia, had been doing guard duty in 
Winchester, during which time the above number prisoners had 
been entrusted to their care. These companies received orders 
from Gen. Milroy to take the prisoners to the rear, or to the 
left, towards the mountains. They did so and then halted. Very 
soon an orderly from Gen. Milroy arrived, with an order to leave 
the prisoners in charge; of a few picked men, and join their regi- 
ment in the fight, for the battle seemed to be going against 
them. The order was being obeyed on the double quick, when 
another orderly met them, and informed them of the surrender 
of the Union forces, and ordered them to flee to the moun- 
tains. This order was immediately obeyed. Company D, thereby, 
escaped capture. Then commenced a long and tedious march, 
the hardships and privations of which can never be fully des- 
cribed. During the day this flying detachment was joined by a 
large number of the Eighteenth, and other regiments, who had 
participated in the morning fight, making a force in all of about 
twelve hundred men, under the command of Col. Washburne, 
One Hundred and .Sixteenth Ohio. It is said that this force 
marched forty tniles the first day, an achievement, however, that 
seems hardly credible. No doubt the distance seemed as great 
to those who marched over it. The column moved early the 
next morning, passed through the village of Bath, forded the 
Potomac at Sir John's Run, and arrived at Hancock, Md., soon 
after noon. At this place, the boys drew some ham and were 
on the point of cooking it, when the alarm was given that the 
rebels were coming. Formed a line of battle, on a hill near by, 
but no attack was made. However, the boys lost their supper. 




Capt. SAMUEL H. KNAPP. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 145 

Were ordered from this place to Orleans Station, to take the 
cars for Cumberland. Started about ten o'clock P. M., marched 
nearly all night, arrivin^;- at Orleans about noon on Wednesday, 
a distance of twentv-hve miles. Here the unwelcome intelligence 
was received that Cumberland was in the hands of the rebels, 
and the railroad was destroyed in that direction. On the march 
again Thursday morning early, and all day, a long weary day 
it was, and at night slept among the mountains in Pennsylvania. 
Friday, at daylight, the almost exhausted column was march- 
ing on, and about two P. M. arrived at Bloody Run, in Bed- 
ford County, after five days of almost unprecedented marching. 
Three nights the column marched constantly and the longest 
rest at one time was thirty minutes. Generally a stop of 
five minutes was made each hour. The route pursued was 
circuitous, to avoiil the rebels, and it was thereby made all the 
more tedious and embarrassing. The days were very hot, and 
F". G. Bixby, then Orderly of Company D, says that many of the 
men fell out on account of sun stroke. One day the men were 
short of water, and it was so hot that their tongues swelled terri- 
bly. At Bloody Run, Gen. Milroy was found, who had a force 
with him of six hundred men, which swelled the retreating col- 
umn to about eighteen hundred. The whole distance marched 
was at least one hundred and fifty miles. By June 35th, there 
were collected at Bloody Run about two hundred and fifty of the 
Eighteenth, with only six commissioned officers, and three of 
these belonged to Company D. It should be stated that the 
forty rebel prisoners in charge of CorHpany D, at the commence- 
ment of the retreat, gave out on the fourth day and were paroled 
by Col. Washburne. The march over the mountains, with little 
or no food, was too severe on them. At Bloody Run, the boys 
found enough to eat, and felt comparatively safe from their rebel 
pursuers. Besides Company D, and members of other compa- 
nies of the Eighteenth, who joined them in their hast\- retreat, 
there were little sc^uads of the regiment scattered all along the 



146 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



way from Winchester to Bloody Run. These made their way 
into the Union Unes, and at length joined their comrades, mak- 
ing the whole number as stated above. If the personal advent- 
ures of these, men were recorded, they would form a large and 
interesting volume. Two or three incidents are here given as a 
specimen. Lieut. Horatio Blanchard, Company B, writes from 
Bloody Run to his parents, June 23d, as follows: "We are safe 
as yet, thank God ! After the last charge, I heard that Captain 
Bates was wounded through the arm, so I took one man and 
went to look after him. We went on until the rebels were close 
upon us and then we left. We could find none of our forces at 
all, but Caleb (his brother) and George Heath. We cut our 
way through the skirmishers, and then their cavalry dashed after 
us. We ran through a cleared lot, over a hill, and doubled and 
came back and laid down in the grass. The cavalry passed on. 
We could see them all around us, and e.xpected every moment 
to be taken, but, thank God! they did not see us. We lay in 
the grass till all had left, and then started and went about 
three miles when women came out and begged of us to hurry 
and hide. We crawled under a fence, and again the rebels came 
all around us. After they went away the women brought us 
something to eat and drink, and at dark we went into the mount- 
ains. We started for Martinsburg, but the rebels were there, 
then we struck for Blooming Gap, and arrived there Tuesday 
night. We started again Wednesday morning, and got into 
a village about nine A. M., and found something to eat; then 
went down the canal, through the tunnel, and sat down to rest. 
About one mile from the village a man came dashing through 
saying, The rebels are coming,' he rushed away tor the 
mountains. We went about two miles and came to a house, 
where were good Union people who brought us something to 
eat, and we staid there four days. Th"n started for this place, 
traveled thirty--;!^ mile; yest-rdiy. Arrived h-re this morning 
about nine o'clock, marching ten miles without any breakfast. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 147 



Twenty-one of (jur boys (Company B,) are here and crlad to see 
us. We ate breakfast, and then reported to (jen. Milroy for 
duty, I lost e\ er)thiiiy but my sword and revolver." 

On the 18th of June, Maj. Peale and his little band, with the 
Twelfth Virginia, were ordered to join the Kighty-seventh Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, and they remained with this reoiment two 
or three days assisting in work on the fortification of the Hei<r|its 
After this. Gen. Tyler of Norwich, Conn., being in command 
of the Heights, ordered Maj. Peale and men to his headquarters. 
While on duty here, H. H. Starkweather and Dr. Carleton, from 
Norwich, paid us a visit to render assistance, and ascertain 
further particulars concerning the fate of the regiment. 

Remained at this post about ten days. Gen. I' rench, who re- 
lieved Gen. Tyler in c<jmmand, ordered Maj. Peale to report 
again to the Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania. While in this posi- 
tion the boys had a plain view of the rebels crossing the Poto- 
mac at Williamsport; at the same time Gen. Hooker was 
crossing the river below at Point of Rocks. The spectacle was 
grand and impressive. 

Gen. Hooker soon ordered the evacuation of the Hei^rhts, and 
directed that all the military stores be put on board the canal 
boats, to be conveyed to Washington. 

When Gen. Meade relieved Gen. Hooker, the force on the 
Heights were ordered to join the army of the Potomac, excepting 
a division which was placed in charge of the stores above men- 
tioned. The Eighteenth was included in this division. It took 
them two days to reach Georgetown, where they remained one 
day, July the 4th. Just at night marched to Tennallytown, a 
short distance from Georgetown. Remained there one nio-ht and 
day. On Monday morning, the following day, marched through 
Georgetown and Washington, and passing b)- the principal public 
buildings of the Cai^ital, at last reached the Paltimore depot, 
nearly exhausted. The mud was very deep, making the march 
difficult, and exceedingly tiresome. Remained quiet the balance 
of the day. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Left Washington on the evening train for the Relay House, 
and were then transferred to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 
reaching Frederick City, Md., after two or three days of the 
slowest railroading ever experienced. Passed through this place 
to South Mountain, and were in line of battle nearly two days. 
Then joined the army of the Potomac. Took an active part in 
the campaign of Maryland after the battle of Gettysburg, march- 
ing, countermarching, and skirmishing with the rebels, until Gen. 
Lee recrossed the Potomac. Major Peale remained with the 
third army corps on its return to Virginia, by the way of South 
Mountain, Pleasant Valley, Sandy Hook, Harpers' Ferry, Loudon 
Heights, up the Loudon V'alley as far as Snicker's Ford, and Ash- 
by's Gap, intercepting fragments of the rebel army, in full retreat up 
the valley and capturing in all about five thousand prisoners. The 
nio-ht after leaving Harper's Ferry was rainy and dark, and the 
road rough and difficult of passage. Went into camp about mid- 
nio-ht, and early the next morning marched on leisurely, picknig 
blackberries by the way, and at night went into camp near a place 
called Pepperville. 

Next day Major Peale at his own request, was ordered to return 
to Maryland, in search of that part of the regiment which es- 
caped from Summit Point by way of the mountains and Bloody 
Run. This was on Saturday, and on the following morning, while 
the army of the Potomac was marching further south. Major 
Peale and his men were marching toward Harper's Ferry, where 
he arrived the same day, recrossing the Potomac, and passing up 
the river road and arrived at Sharpsburg about nine o'clock the 
same evening, having marched over thirty miles during the day. 
The other portion of the regiment did not know ol the arrivalof 
Major Peale, until the next morning, when the boys exchanged 
the most joyful greetings, and related with great interest their 
experience during the time of their separation. It was about six 
weeks since they had met, though it was ascertained that they 
had been very near each other several times, during the Mary- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 149 



land campaign. The boys who met near the old barn on that 
eventful morning, will never forget the emotions of the hour. 

While the greater part of the regiment were suffering hard- 
ships, sickness and want in Libby, and Belle Island, or actual peril 
from their enemies Major Peale and his command were enjoy- 
ing comoarative rest, and recruiting their spirits and energies, re- 
duced by long and tiresome marches, painful want and privations. 
Gen. Smith was in command at Hagerstown, and Capt. Mathewson 
of Company L) was provost Marshall until the eighth of August, 
when he was relieved, and Maj. Peale took the position. It was said 
that Capt. Mathewson discharged his duty so faithfully that the 
rebel sympathizers seconded his removal. If this was so, they 
trained nothing by the change, as Major Peale performed his dut)' 
fearlessly, and to the satisfaction of the loyal citizens of the place 
Lieut. Morrison, Company I, with about thirty men was engaged 
with an ambulance corps, to bring in sick and wounded soldiers. 
After Lee's retreat, the country, for miles on his route, was filled 
with the sick and wounded, and almost every house had its share 
of these unfortunates. Through the efforts of the Eighteenth, 
the hospitals at Hagerstown were tilled with these men, where 
their every want was supplied through the proper channels, and 
by the assistance of patriotic citizens of the place. In no town in 
Maryland did wounded or sick soldiers receive more care and at- 
tention, than in Hagerstown. At length the headquarters of the 
Eighteenth were removed just outside of the town, as the wound- 
ed of both armies were being gathered into tents at that point. 
This arrangement kept the whole regiment vet) bus)-, and the of- 
ficers were unremitting in their care ot their men, but the weather 
was excessively hot. Dysentery and other summer complaints 
prevailed extensively. The regiment remained in this position 
until the last of .September, displaying those praise-worthy quali- 
ties for provost duty, which had characterized them elsewhere, 
and winning the respect of all loyal citizens and their kindest at- 
tentions. 



I50 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



It is needless to say that under these circumstances the Eigh- 
teenth enjoyed comparative rest, and rapidly regained its former 
health and vigor, during the beautiful weather of the first autum- 
nal month. Mutual acquaintances and attachments were formed, 
which afterwards were renewed with the greatest pleasure and 
cordiality. The Eighteenth will never forget the kindness of the 
loyal citizens of Hagerstown. 

At this point we will leave Major Peale and his command for 
the present, returning to Summit Point to look after another 
squad of the regiment. While one part of the command was on its 
way to Richmond, and another was Hying over the mountains to 
the west and north, and still another retreating with all haste 
toward Harper's Ferry, there was also, another portion of the regi- 
ment left on the field, wounded, dying or dead, together with those 
who remained to care for them. The noble dead of Winchester 
and Summit Point, belonging to the Eighteenth, and its pride 
and glory, must not be forgottcMi. 

Honorable mention should be made of each and all who so 
bravely withstood the terrible shock of battle and suffered so 
heroically the pains ami horrors which followed. Comrades and 
relatives, of these martyrs and sufferers for their country's flag, 
should see to it that full JListice is done to the memory of their 
noble deeds, and every man receive his due reward of merit, or 
meed of praise. This record is more especially for those of com- 
ing generations. In future time the history of the great rebellion 
will be read more eagerly than now. The grand children of those 
men who held back that murderous horde of rebels for three long 
days, who fell wounded or dead to save the North from annihila- 
tion, will be an.xious to read the record of their fathers' heroic 
devotion and firmness, and will feel a just pride in rehearsing to 
their children the noble deeds which saved the fiag of their 
country from disgrace and ruin, liver)- name of the heroic 
wounded and dead, of the war, should be written in letters of 
o-old, and record made of their self-denying acts, and deeds of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 151 



daring, in characters that shall be as enduring as time. Let 
one generation declare to another the names of the distinguished 
patriots in the war for the Union, until the latest ireneration. 

Are the names of 1. yon, Sedgwick and Mansfield immortal? 
So should be the names of the humblest heroes of the war, the 
noble dead, and scarred veterans of every rank. 

It was a little remarkable that so few of the non-commissioned 
officers were wounded in the battle of Winchester and Summit 
Point. One sergeant. Orderly William Caruthers, Company H, 
and three corporals, Samuel I). Worden, Company A, George 
W. Blake, Company V any Edwin S. Tabor, Company G, com- 
prised the whole membtn-. Orderly Caruthers was badly wounded 
in the bowels, on -Sunday afternoon, June 14th, the ball passing 
entirely through him. He was removed to the rear by Corporals 
Thomas Jordan. |ohn 1{. Barrows and Patrick J. Heverin, placed 
in an ambulance;, and carried to a house two miles on the Martins- 
burg pike, and there left in the care of Heverin. His wound was 
dressed by the surgeon of the b'ifth Maryland, who pronounced 
it mortal, and ordered the grave marked, so his friends might in 
due time recover his body. But tlu; [)lucky sergeant, though re- 
duced very low. had no idea of surrendering thus. 

It is remarkable that all but (Mie of the dead were killed in 
the last day's fight at .Summit Point, and most of those in the 
third and last charge, made on that fatal morning, June 15th. 
No wonder Gen. Milroy gave the order for that charge with 
tremulous voice. He had every reason to believe that the fear- 
less act would be followed with terrible results to the Eighteenth 
Connecticut. And so it was; and yet it was to the regiment the 
path to glory, by it they signified their entire devotedness to 
the country, and their obedience to the orders of their superiors. 
There was one officer especially, of the line, who has not been 
out-done in heroic valor and diring. Eirst among the foremost, 
he pressed on in the tin'rihc charge that resulted in silencing a 
whole battery of the enemy, killing or wounding every man at 



152 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the guns, and, for the time, spreading fear and consternation 
among the enemy. That oflicer was Capt. Edward L. Porter, 
Company F, who fell with his face to the foe, his forehead 
pierced by a rebel bullet. He was the only son of Dr. Isaac G. 
Porter, New London, Ct., and entered the service of his country 
from a sincere conviction of duty. Virtuous, amiable and intel- 
ligent, in every way qualified for a high position in civil life, yet 
when his country called for his services in the capacity ot a sold- 
ier, he did not hesitate to obey that call. Just before leaving 
Baltimore for Winchester, he bought a watch, and after his death 
it was returned to his surviving parents, and in it was found writ- 
ten these words in Greek: " For the night cometh." This 
sentence was characteristic of his general thoughtfulness, and as 
the event showed, seemed not a little prophetic. Porter was a 
general favorite in the regiment, and hence his death occasioned 
deep sorrow among all his surviving comrades. Lieut. Rock- 
well, under date of June 30th, 1863, wrote as follows: "Captain 
Porter fell in our last charge, mortally wounded by a bullet 
in the head. He was universally loved and respected by the 
regiment. He did his whole duty as a brave and true soldier, 
and died honorably, charging with his men to the front." An- 
other who knew him well writes: "Captain Porter was a graduate 
of Yale, a fine scholar, and had entered the profession of law 
with e.xcellent prospects." The following tribute is from the pen 
of his surgeon, Dr. L. Holbrook, in a communication to the af- 
flicted parents: 

•'With your honored son, Capt. Porter of the Eighteenth Con- 
necticut Volunteers, I had formed a pleasant acquaintance, 
though of short duration, and I remember him as one of the 
noblest of the compan)- of martyrs, who, on that memorable 
morning, offered up their lives on the altar of constitutional lib- 
erty, At my sugges'tioii he went to the post hospital at Win- 
chester, two or three days Ijefore our evacuation ot the jjlace, 
being sick with what I feared might prove typhoid fever. I vis- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 153 

ited him the day before the battle, and found him very weak, and 
hence was very much surprised to find him at the head of his 
company, but a sense of duty and a strong desire to be in his 
place, in time of action, caused him to forget his physical suffer- 
ings. One of the officers of the regiment informed me that he 
seemed possessed of superhuman strength and energy in the 
battle, and gallantly led his men in the charge against the ene- 
my, when he was struck by a rille bullet in the head and died 
almost immediately. Captain Porter left a bright record of hon- 
orable manliness, was dignified and gentlemanly in manner, 
always prompt in the conscientious discharge of duty, and with 
his whole soul he espoused the cause of his country, and died in 
the fore-front of battle, attesting by his death the sincerity of his 
patriotism, and sealing with his blood his love of liberty, strug- 
gling against armed treason. His memory will long be cherished 
in the hearts of his companions in arms, and I trust lis grave 
will long remain honored by his countrymen, as that of one of 
the noblest in the long list of our country's mart\'rs." 

These arc just and beautiful tributes to the memory of Capt. 
Porter, and others would cheerfully add theirs to swell .'lis fame, 
if it were necessary. We do not wonder that his record was so 
bright and glorious, for he was the son of a mother who said, 
"Edward is my only son, and well beloved, but if I had si.x sons 
like him I would give them all to the service of my country." 

Such were our country's soldiers. They counted not their 
lives dear unto themselves, but fearlessly braved the storm of 
death, and fell with face to the foe. If a faithful history of 
these patriots could be written, a large volume would hardly con- 
tain the record. Special refererence ought to be made of each 
man who fell in those terrible charges that were instrumental in 
checking the advance of the foe for three days, and thereby en- 
suring the Union army the victory at Gettysburg. The men 
who died at Winchester and Summit Point fell in one of the 
grandest and most important fights for the Union. They were 



154 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



gloriovish- victorious in their death. Had the)- not stood fast 
and fallen at their post, the enemy would have had comparative- 
ly an easy task to have reached Gettysburo- three days sooner, 
and who could have comi)ut<'d the results to Harrisburjr, Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore? It would have been a miracle if 
Washington itself had not been captured. The men who fought 
and died, during those three days, died not in vain, and each man 
seemed to understand the situatitm, the momentous interests 
involved, and shrank not from the exigency. The Eighteenth 
Connecticut need not fear that they wrought nothing for the 
Union because they were defeated and mainly captured in those 
memorable battles. They were overpowered, it is true, but not 
dispirited. They were captured, or dispersed, but unyielding 
and defiant in spirit and purpose, determined to fall into line 
again at the first opportunity. The memory of such men is 
blessed, they shall be held in everlasting remembrance, their 
heroic deeds are immortal. Their death is inspiring, ennobling, 
and encouraging to those who shall come after them. 
''Historic hand of hero'-s, 
Whose ghiries ne'er can fade, 
While lives a bard lu ( hronicle 
Ti-it' record they have m.ide." 
Monday, Caruthers, who was supposed to be mortally wound- 
ed, had rallieci and his prospects seemed good for recovery. The 
first intimation he had of the capture of his regiment was received 
from Harry Gilmore — a guerilla — and Gen. Stuart, who took 
breakfast at the same house with Caruthers. Gilmore, at one time, 
was a prisoner at Baltimore, and was acquainted with him, and 
hence was disposed to show him favor. He sent an ambulance 
at three in the afternoon which conveyed Caruthers to 'I'aylor's 
hotel at Winchester. Here he found Geo. Ward and Hospital 
.Steward Riple), with several others of his regiment. It was for- 
tunate for him that Surgeon Holbrook and Ripley were there, and 
permitted to serve the wounded in the hospital, both being spoken 
of as especially serviceable to their wounded comrades. 




"A. 






r«^<^- 



Cart. JaHK E. WOOEWARD. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 155 



It should be mentioned tliat a few of tlie citizens vied with 
each other in kind attentions, amoni; them bein^ the two Misses 
Sharps and others who came and ministered to the Lhiion sol- 
diers in their unfortunate condition. On the lourth of July, Rip- 
ley obtained leave to return to Summit Point to desi^^nate the 
grave of Captain Porter and those of two members of Compan)' 
A, from Greeneville, but most of the time the Union prisoners 
were watched very closely, and allowed but tew privileges. If any 
extras were enjoyed, they were obtained through strategy on the 
part of surgeons or Union attendants. Many will doubtless re- 
member the secret passage in the hotel, through which not a few 
comforts were obtained, without exciting the suspicion of the 
rebel authorities, but deliverance came at last. All the officers 
of the Eighteenth, as liefore stated, had been sent to Richmond 
on the third of August. Three days after the last s([uad had been 
sent off, Maj. Gibson of the Third Virginia Cavalry, (Union), 
made a dash into Winchester and charged through the town. In 
the confusion, Lieut. Caruthers, who had partially recovered from 
his wound, and Ripley made their escape, by getting into Gibson's 
ambulances which had been provided lor the purpose of rescuing 
wounded prisoners. They had barely time, however, to getaway, 
for as soon as tht- Union Ca\alr)' had driven the rebel guard 
through the place, they, in turn, were attacked b\- rebel forces, 
stationed at different points outside, and driven back in great 
haste. But the ambulance train kept in advance of the Union 
force, and the rescued prisoners were thus saved. They reached 
Harper's P'erry the same day. though hotly pursued by the rebels. 
Lieut. Caruthers, however, was put in great danger of his life by 
this sudden and hasty movement. His wound hXvA freely again, 
and he was nearly senseless troin the loss ot blood. Riple\- gave 
him every attention, and but for his timely and kind attentions, 
Caruthers would jirolialjly have lost his life. After two daj's at 
Harper's P'erry he was able to go to Baltimore, thence he returned 
home on a furlough, where he remained about forty days. Hav- 



156 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



ing nearly recovered, he returned to his reoiment, joining Col. 
Peale at Washington depot, Baltimore, in charge of the paroled 
portion of the regiment, on its \va)' from Annapolis to Martins- 
burg. 

Corporal S. D. Worden, Company A, was among the paroled 
wounded, but was sent to Richmond, and from there to Annapo- 
lis. His wound was not serious, being on the ear, but the 
inhuman treatment of his captors at Belle Island ruined a natur- 
ally strong constitution, and there were planted the seeds of a 
disease which finally resulted in his death. After his parole he 
became an inmate of the New Haven hospital, where he re- 
mained until March Sth, 1864, when he received an honorable 
discharge and returned to the home of his brother, in Wind- 
ham county. -Soon after, he received a final discharge from 
the Great Commander, when he was in the thirty-second 
year of his age. Worden was a worth)' man, liberally educated, 
being a graduate of the Meadville, Pa., Unitarian Theological 
School, and had occasionally occupied the pulpit of that denomi- 
nation in Lowell, Mass., and other places. He left Lowell for 
Greeneville, Ct., but after his arrival at that place, heard the call 
of patriotism, and enlisted in the compan)- then forming in that 
village. Worden will ever be held in grateful remembrance by 
his comrades in arms, who esteemed him highlj- for his noble 
qualities of mind and heart. 

Privates John Crawford and Islaj- B. Martin, Company A, 
died of wounds, at Winchester, July 2d. Their bodies were 
after a time returned to their parents in Greeneville, and buried 
with imposing tuneral rites from the Congregational chnrch, a 
large audience attending. Nelson C. Thompson, of the same 
company, died June 30th, in Avon in Hartford county. Of the 
others, who received honorable scars in the memorable fight at 
Winchester, almost the entire number finally recovered. 

The officers captured, not wounded, were as follows: — Col. 
William G. Ely, Lieut. Col. Monroe Nichols, Surgeon Lowell 
Holbrook, Quartermaster Dwight W. Hakes. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 157 



Capts. Henry C. Davis, George W. Warner, Ezra J. Mathew- 
son. 

First Lieuts. A. H. Lindsay, Andrew W. Loomis, John T. 
McGinnis, John E. W'oodard, I. N. Kibbie, George Kies. 

Second Lieiits. James D. Higgins, E. D. Carpenter, Henry F. 
Cowles, Prank McKeag, Joseph P. Rockwell, John PVancis, 
William H. Locke, M. V. B. Tiffany, Ashael G. Scranton, twen- 

\ty-two. in all. 
The last of these arrived at Lililjy, August 5th, viz. Holbrook, 
'^owen and Merwin, and like their predecessors they were sub- 
jected to all sorts of rebel indignities, strict search was made, 
money, rubber blankets, haversacks, officers' sasiies and every- 
thing of value that could be discovered was taken, and they 
were left entirely to the tender mercies of their captors. 

The officers wounded and captured numbered four, viz.: 
Capts. Thomas K. Bates, Company B; George W. Warner, 
Company G; Charles D. Bowen, Company H; and Lieut. 
Merwin, Company C. Prom the commencement of the h"ht 
until the close, there was great confusion and excitement, but 
amid it all, preparations were made for the best attention possi- 
ble for the wounded, by the Union sin'gt-ons, who resolved to 
remain with their regiments. The surgeon of the Eighteenth, 
Lowell Holbrook, took possession of the nearest house and e.s- 
tablished a field hospital. The usual signal was raised by han<T- 
ing a small flag out of the ujjper window, jjut for a time the 
rebels did not see it, or did not can- to see it, ami continued to 
shell the house, to the great danger of the wountled who had 
been conveyed there, or who had sought shelter in the rear of 
the building. Ninety-three men in all were received at this 
place, thirty-five of whom were members of the Eighteenth. 
The hospital steward, J. P). Riple\-, who had been partially dis- 
abled by a shock, the result of concussion produced b)- the 
explosion of a shell, had the surgeon's case of instruments taken 
from him b) the rebels, and this greatly embarrassed and hindered 



158 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the work of giving proper attention to the wounded. Other 
regiments fared no ijetter in this respect; the hospital stores 
generally sharing the same fate. Dr. Holbrook had no surgical 
instruments except such as he happened to have in his haver- 
sack. 

The surgeons were thus deprived of the necessary means of 
properly dressing wounds of an ordinary character, and what 
was of still greater importance, deprived of the means of render- 
ing timely aid to several, in whose cases immediate amputation 
of limbs was necessary to ensure preservation of life. Among 
others, Capt. Bates was badly wounded in the arm, though at 
the time he did not think his injury very serious, it was at length 
decided that amputation would be necessary. As soon as it 
could be effected the wounded men were conveyed to Winchester, 
and Dr. Holbrook, who had received an order from Gen. Early 
soon after the surrender, to remain in charge of the field hospital, 
which he had established in the morning, made a request that am- 
bulances should be sent for this purpose, but only one ambulance 
was forwarded the first evening. A similar request of Gen. John- 
son, the next day, resulted in the acquisition of a few more. It 
was not until Wednesday aft(Tnov)n, thethirtl day after the battle, 
that all the wounded ot Summit Point arrived in Winchester, 
Capt. Bates was under the immediate care of Surgeon Holbrook, 
who thought the captain's arm might be saved. The rebel sur- 
geons insisted upon amputation, but at length gave away, on ac- 
count of the earnest pleadings of the captain, that it should not 
be done. It recjuired, however, great care and skill on the part 
of Dr. Holbrook to save the arm, and Capt. Bates declared that 
he owed his lib lo the faithiul attention of his surgeon. But he 
was reduced very low b) his wound, which was exceed ingl)- 
troublesome. He was now at Taylor's hotel, which was used for 
hospital purposes. Dr. Holbrook made arrangements with parties 
to bring, as often as possible, a few necessary comforts for the 
wounded, and in this wa)- the wants of the wounded, were in part 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 159 



supplied. About the last of July Ca]it. Bates made his escape 
by strategy. Frequent proposition had been made, and times set 
to send him to Richmond, but he had pleaded so earnestly, say- 
ing that he would rather be shot than sent to Richmond, that the 
time for his departure had been deferred. 

It became evident, however, that his removal would not be de- 
ferred much longer, and Bates determined to make his escape. A 
party of rebels having been ordered out toward the Union line, 
for observation, under a flag of truce, Capt. Bates, by a change 
of suit, managed to join them, in the garb of a rebel private. 
Proceeding toward Harper's Ferry, this squad of observers very 
unexpectedly fell in with Union Cavalry that took them as pris- 
oners into the Union lines, and thus Capt. Bates obtained his lib- 
erty. From Harper's F"erry, he was sent to Baltimore, from 
whence he returned home on a furlough. Continuing to suf- 
fer from his wound, and his prospect not being very flattering for 
recovering the use of his arm very soon, if ever, he was, by his 
own recjuest, honorably discharged for disability on the ( 7th of 
November following. Capt. Bates was an excellent officer, and 
one of the best disciplinarians ami tacticians in the regiment, and 
his loss to the regiment was universally regretted. 

Capt. Bowen having received a dangerous wound in the right 
lung, had been left on the field for de id. .\t length reviving, he 
was taken to the hospital, but for several days, it was the opinion 
ot the surgeon that he could not recover. He remained at 
Winchester about four weeks, and was then so far recovered, that 
he was sent to Richmond, in company with Uieut. Merwin, 
who had a wound in the foot. Capt. Bowen and Lieut. Mer- 
win were put into an old ricket)' army wagon, with nineteen 
others, and sent to .Staunton, where they were detained three 
weeks, suffering greatly from their wounds, and the want of 
proper food and care, having no shelter, or m^lical care of any- 
kind, and but for the aid of a rebel sergeant the)' must have died 
on the way. He marched all day, and then sometimes went two 



i6o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



or three miles to get rations coolced for the wounded. His kind- 
ness was hijjhly appreciated. At Staunton they were surrounded 
with a tjuard, tiieir money was taken from them, and they suf- 
fered other cruel annoyances. The officer in command, excused 
his conduct, saying that it was the most disagreeable duty he 
ever had to perform, and throwing the responsibility upon higher 
rebel authorities. Surgeon Holbrook marched as far as New 
Market, and then, in company with six t)thers, rode to Staunton 
in a two horse coach, for which each paid twenty dollars in Con- 
federate mone>'. On reaching Staunton, they were marched to 
the top of a hill, in the vicinity of the place, and within the limits 
of twenty rods square, or, a barren mountain peak, closely guard- 
ed, were left to shift for themselves. Nothing in the shape of 
a covering, from the scorching rays of an August sun, was 
provided, and there was no protection from storm, or the dews ot 
night. A protest was met by the declaration that "surgeons were 
held as prisoners of war, to be treated like officers of other rank." 
A temporary shelter was made b)' the use of rubber blankets, 
fastened together and thrown over a frame work of rails, under 
which the two men were made more comfortable, but they still 
suffered much, especially for want of proper food. After a few 
days the surgeons were sent on to Richmond and Libby. A day 
and a night were spent on a platform car, or freight box, huddled 
together so closely, that there was no room to lie down without 
lying upcjn each other. It was a very tedious journey. The men 
would have nearly suffocated in the closely packed car, if they 
had not kicked out about one third of its side. The opening 
let in fresh air, and thus the ride to Richmond was rendered tol- 
erable. 

The Libby so famous in the history of the war has been so 
many times described it is hardly necessary to say much about it 
here, and it will be sufficient to give only a brief description. Two 
hundred feet long, and forty wide, three stories high, with a par- 
tition cross-wise in the middle, making six rooms loo by 40 feet. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. i6i 



CHAPTER VIT 



TIIK. OFFICERS AT LIKBV. 



There was a cellar below paved with cobble stones, adjoining 
Libby but separated from it by a wall, which cellar was said to 
have been mined for the purpose of blowing up Libby with its 
inmates, in case the city should be taken by the Yankees. As- 
cending from the ground Hoop is found a long oblong room, with 
two rows of stout wooden posts to support the ceiling. The win- 
dows were iron-grat«d, those of the front looking out upon the 
street, and those of the rear commanding a view of the canal close 
by, and the river just beyond it, and the opposite shore. Above this 
was an immense garret, embracing the entire area of the floor. 
This is the famous Libby j)rison, converted into a den of misery, 
starvation and death. At the time the officers of the Eighteenth 
were incarcerated here, there was present in all, about one thou-^ 
sand officers of all ranks and of every department of the service. 
There were represeiitatives from all parts of the country, from 
Maine to Minnesota, and from Michigan to Tennessee, and they 
were as diverse in their nationality as in their place of residence. 
Yankees, Germans, French, .Spanish and Irish were mixed up in- 
discriminatelj-, and were not a little incommoded by this close 
proximity of discordant elements. But they were not long in 
choosing their intimate associates, and every one found his ap- 
propriate sphere of social intercourse and action. 1 lere was found 
the erudite scholar, the cultivated gentleman, and genuine chris- 



1 62 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



tian, and their opposite, and although shut out from the world, 
the inmates of Libby were subject to almost every variety of in- 
fluence, and hence, those not doomed to intellectual torpor, 
or moral degeneration, cultivated a literary taste by the 
study of languages. French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, English, 
history, and science here found her admirers and votaries. A 
literary society existed, in which questions of national policy, 
morality, civilization and Christianity were ably discussed. A 
paper called the "Libby Chronicle," devoted to facts and fun, 
was edited with marked ability, in which articles appeared that 
might vie in merit with those of the best periodicals of the day, 
both in prose and in verse. 

On the whole the officers of the Eighteenth had very good 
company while in Libby, as among their number were nine 
clergymen, chaplains from the army, men of talent and zeal. 
These conducted religious meetings on the Sabbath and held 
frequent prayer and conference meetings during the week. 
Their fare at lirst was none of the best, and the officers did not 
grow fat as fast as they would have done had beef-steak been a 
little more plenty. 

In looking back upon their scanty fare, it seems almost impos- 
sible that the men could have stood it as well as they did. It 
is true their labors were quite light, not having much occasion 
for muscular strength. 

One day's rations — One-fourth of a pound of beef, nine ounces 
of bread of variable quality, sometimes wheat, sometimes a 
mixture of flour and corn-meal, and sometimes of coarse, unsift- 
ed corn-meal mixed with water and about a gill of rice, was a full 
daily ration, and to men who had been full fed or accustomed to 
good fare, this seemed rather hard. After the battle of Gettys- 
burg there was a marked difference in rebel treatment of these 
prisoners, as the tables were turned; Lee, having been soundly 
whipped, was in full retreat for Richmond, and many rebels had 
been captured by the Union army, The number of prisoners 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 16: 



greatly preponderated in favor of tlie North, and the opportunity 
to retaliate was now given to "Lincoln's Government," h(;nce 
the authorities at Richmond began to be more lenient, and bv 
simple force of circumstances, there was a great change for the 
better. The buildings were thoroughly cleansed, white-washed 
from ceiling to floor, water from the James river introduced into 
all the rooms, and the officers were allowed the privilege of send- 
ing to the market b) the prison officials for fruits and vegetables, 
while the rations issued to them in a raw state they were permit- 
ted to cook for themselves. Here was a fine chance for the 
display of Yankee ingenuity to make the best use of their means 
for health and comfort. For a while they were permitted to re- 
ceive boxes of food and clothing from home, and no one can 
realize the delight of these men in the reception of the kind re- 
membrances of the loved ones at home, but thos*- w ho have been 
placed under similar circumstances, in this wa)', gold and even 
greenbacks were smuggled into Libby and the prisoners received 
pocket money to buy comforts, without which they must have 
suffered great inconveniences and actual hunger. A ball of but- 
ter, or a loaf of cake would contain the golden coin, and a 
very pleasant sensation would be produced by these happy 
revelations. 

The following is from the "Connecticut I-it^cord durino- the 
Rebellion." 

This monotonous life was occasional!)- \ aried b) a distinguish- 
ed arrival. Col. .Straight, then famous, enlivened the prison by 
his able and fearless debates on the slaver)' question with anv 
rebel who came within reach, lien. Neal Dow arrived from 
Mobile, where he had been a prisoner in the enjoyment of a 
considerable degree of freedom and intercourse with the citizens, 
and he repeatedly addressed the officers, informing them of the 
inner life of the Confederacy and its waning hopes and prospects. 
These speeches were frequent!)' interrupted by the sudden ap- 
pearance of the rebel sentinel, when the speaker would continue 



1 64 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



unterrified, "As I was saying, this indulgence in alcoholic stimu- 
lants is ruinous to the mental, moral and social character of men," 
&c. Officers came in from all the armies constantly, and the oc- 
cupants of I -bby were probably better informed in regard to the 
condition of the Rebellion than were their friends at home. By 
a constant interchange of news and sentiments, they were kept 
in cheerful spirits. 

In February of 1864, Col. Ely escaped from Libby with one 
hundred and eight other officers, through the famous tunnel. 
They had obtained entrance, through a hole in the floor, to aw 
unoccupied basement; and thence had dug direct)) out under 
Twentieth street, looseni^ig the earth with an old hinge, and re- 
movino it in a broken sugar-scoop taken from the hospital. 1 he 
sand was then drawn out in a carpet-bag, and secreted about the 
cellar. They were at work upon the tunnel for fifty-five days, 
when the pioneer, Capt. J. N. Johnson of the Si.xth Kentucky 
Cavalry, reached daylight, and came up under an old shed across 
the street. That night, at nine o'clock, the first man leit, and 
at hve the next morning the last man had gone. About fifty 
were finally recaptured by the cavalry, who scoured the State in 
all directions; among them being Col. Ely, in a state of ^reat 
exhaustion. He was taken by the cavalry, forty-two miles out, 
after being absent four days. 

In March, 1864, Col. William G. Ely, Lieut. Col. Monroe 
Nichols, Capt. Ci. VV. Warner, Lieuts. I. N. Kibbe, M. V. B. 
Tiffan), |. P. Rockwell and John A. Francis were paroled and 
returned to the North, their exchange following. The other 
officers of the Eighteenth were, on May 7th, sent to Dan- 
ville, Va., and alter a few days transferred to the new stock- 
ade prison at Macon. In December, Lieut. D. W'. Hakes 
and Capt Charles D. Bovven, with Lieuts. A. H. Lindsay, 
George Kies and A. G. Scranton were paroled and went North. 
In February, 1865, the men and balance of the officers of the 
Eighteenth were sent to Charlotte. On the. way, Lieut. Henry 




'iO^^, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 165 



F. Cowles jumped from the cars, was secreted by the negroes, 
and joined Sherman's advance cavalry. Lieut. Ezra D. Carpen- 
ter escaped from the hospital, and occupied Columbia the day 
before Gen. Sherman. The remaining officers were paroled at 
Wilmington, N. C, in March 1865; having been in captivity 
twenty-one months, without the loss of a man. 

The following letter from .Surgeon Holbrook, written soon 
after his release from Libby, will give a truthful idea of the life 
the officers of the Kighteenth led, while conhned in that memor- 
able prison: 

"Some account of the daily round of duties and occupations in 
Libby. might be worth recital. With the first grey dawn of the 
morning, the sleepers scattered over the floors of the various 
rooms, as thickly as they could well be stowed, were aroused to 
consciousness by the stenatorian voice of a stalwart darkey, crying 
out, 'All four copies of the morning papers!' 'Rise gentlemen and 
buy the morning news!' 'Great news in the papers!' 'Great news 
from the Rappahannock!' 'Great news from Charleston!' 'Great 
news from James river!' 'Great news from Ireland!' 'Are all the 
gentlemen supplied with the morning news?' 'I'm bound for to 
travel !' He brought copies of the daily Richmond papers, each 
a small half sheet of dingy, brown paper, generally containing 
little that we could regard as reliable. They usually had a lead- 
ing article, filled with the most exaggerated statements and false- 
hoods of Yankee barbarity, and thoroughl)- imbuetl with the 
most uncompromising hatred for the L^nion, and all u ho remained 
loyal to the government. The next business in order lor the now 
thoroughly aroused prisoners is, lor those whose turn it is to act 
as cooks for their respective messes, to commence their culinary 
labors, which consist in preparing a hash from the meat bcjiled 
the previous day, and whose juices well extracted in b(jiling with 
rice, had served tor yesterday's dinner. 

"Then the rattle of cooking utensils, the slamming of stove 
doors, the crowding around the fires of a hundred men, each with 



1 66 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



his tin cup, intent on preparing for himself some extra dish, af- 
forded a Hvely and amusing scene. Each mess of twenty five or 
thirty enjoyed its privileges of the mess kettles and tables, in reg- 
ular order, and one succeeds another in the greatest rapidity 
practicable. After breakfast follows a general preambulation 
through the different rooms, all of which communicate, and an in- 
terchange of mutual greetings and discussion of the news of the 
day. Next the class in French, or Phonography, or German, or 
Battalion drill is announced, and the students betake themselves 
to the room and corner designated. 

"In the meantime a troupe of some dozen negroes appear with 
brooms to sweep and scrub the floors, which they do in a hurry, 
leaving instead of the dust removed, a (juantity of water which 
will be evaporated in the course of the day. Some pass the 
hours in writing, reading, or in games, among which chess, check- 
ers and various games with cards are included. Among the 
variety of pursuits and amusements, music claims no small share 
of attention, and groups may here and there be found, intent 
upon rendering in most melodious accents, the choicest selections 
from Handtl, Mozart, and other masters of sacred song. In 
other places, proficients upon the violin discourse Ethiopian mel- 
odies, to which some charmed listeners are keeping time, giving 
lively motion to their pedal extremities, and so wears away 
the day, till at length the sable curtains of night again cast their 
shadows over the crowded rooms. 

" At early candle lighting, evening services are announced for 
some particular room, when all, who are religiously inclined, re- 
pair thither to engage in the exercises of the meeting. Hut 
among such a company, perhaps less than one-fourth mo\t' in 
that direction. Others are gathered in groups around the rooms, 
busy with games, and thus pass away the time. 

" Amoni^j" soldiers, it is a remarkable fact that smoking is 
almost universal, and a person of sensitive olfactories, who dis- 
likes tobacco, if in Libby, must be a martyr, with no possibility 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 167 



of escape. He must eat it in his hash, drink it in his coftee 
inhale it at every breath, and experience no reUef, till lost in the 
unconsciousness which sleep brings to his offended senses. 

•• But some of the nuiiit ludicrous incidents in Libby life occur 
after all its inhabitants have arranged themselves, each in his 
chosen spot, upon the lloor, with his army blanket around him. 
Then commences a succession of conundrums, (]uestions and re- 
plies, technically called the catechism. This embodied a general 
censorship of the habits, opinions or peculiarities of whatever 
kind, of any, who might attract special attention. And among 
such a collection of persons of such diversit}- of opinions, and 
such a variety of habits, enough could always be: found to fur- 
nish means for an hour of uproarious hilarit). -Such (questions 
as the following would be proposed: 

' Why ought the best of English poetry to emanate from this 
room ?' 

' Because we have a Spencer and a Hums here, and they live 
in a garret — the poet's usual aliode.' 

' Who stole Mosely.s hash ?' 

' Carpenter.' 

' Who says he does not belong to the Al)o]ition .Army ?' 

' Glasboro.' 

■ Who off'-red to enlist in the rebel army, if he could be released 
from prison ?' 

' Pierce.' 

' Who said he had more meat than he could eat T 

' Ketchum.' 

' Who sold his boots for money, to buy extra mutton chops ?' 

' Ketchum.' 

' How does Libby differ from another public institution in 
Philadelphia .^' 

• That is a Northern home for friendless children — this is a 
friendless home for Northern children &c.. &c.' 

At last all seem satisfied, and sleep and silence, except the sub- 



i68 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



bass of heavy snoring from many up-turned noses, reigns supreme 
till the dawn of another day. Thus it will be seen that live 
Yankees, even when prisoners in Rebeldom, and subject to all the 
discomforts which semi-barbarism can impose, will be Yankees 
still, and find amusement in the exercise of the mental vivacity 
peculiar to the race. But in the day time, the numerous speci- 
mens of mechanical skill, wrought 'from the bones of the thin, 
blue beef, which supplied us food, were truly worthy of admira- 
tion. Here were manufactured hnger rings of exquisite work- 
manship; crosses inlaid with hard rubber, cut from the back of a 
pocket comb, napkin rings, wrought with the most elaborate 
designs, miniature toilet tables, &c., in great profusion. 

Hut in all this activity and bustle, when all seemed cheerful, 
if not contented, there was none, whose thoughts did not often 
revert to the scenes and affections of home; and none failed to 
enquire daily for the news in relation to e.Kchange. Many were 
the rumors that daily went the rounds, to elate or depress the 
poor prisDuer. who, wliatever else he might do, or think, ceases 
not to long tor the happy hour which shall place him again under 
the folds of the "Star Spangled Banner," and return him once 
more to the society of loved ones at home. Examples of these 
ever recurring, hope inspiring and depressing agents, were the 
following: 

'Commissioners of Exchange met yesterday, and effected a 
cartel ! — All to be exchanged immediately!' 

'Then in the same hour, puri^orting to come from some of- 
fical — 

' Commissioners could not agree ! — No exchange probable for 
months to come !' 

' Another would affirm — 

' All to be exchanged except the surgeons !' 

' Then — 

' The surgeons will go in the next boat !' 

' The negro question prevents all exchange !' 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 169 



• Then — 

' The negro question has never been an issue !' 

' One comes directly from the commandant of the prison and 
informs us— - 

'That we shall be here only a short time lonoer !' 

' Another says — 

•^It has been advised from the same authorit)-, that we had 
better prepare for winter quarters, and send home for cloth- 
ing and provisions !' 

But this will suffice for a sample of prison-life in Libby, as re- 
cording the varying hopes of alternate lights and shades, con- 
flicting hopes and fears. 

To one who has endured it for four months, never for a mo- 
ment walking abroad into the outer world, and never breathing for 
once the pure air of heaven, and finally has passed once more 
to the comforts and enjoyments of freedom and home, it is more 
pleasant to forget, than to cherish the memory of this long, dark 
period of sharp discomfort and privation." 

August 13th, Major Peale, with about two hundred and 
fifty men, was at Hagerstown, .Md., doing provost duty — about 
four hundred and eighty paroled men were at Annapolis, or on a 
French leave to their homes in Connecticut, and a few others 
were in hospital, either at Baltimore, or Harper's Ferry. The 
remainder, mostly officers, were in Richmond, having a taste of 
rebel hospitality, in Libby prison. 

Returning to parole camp .\ugust 15th, we find some change 
in the position of affairs at that place. So large a portion of the 
regiment having nothing to do, but to enjoy themselves as well 
as they could, it was not surprising that the men became restless. 
Doing nothing was most tedious of all things. The men becom- 
ing disatisfied, longed for a change. As they had not been ex- 
changed, and there being no prospect that tliey would be for 
sometime to come, they began to think that they might as well 
make an effort to reach home, as to stay where they were. They 



i-jo EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



made known their intention to one of the officers who replied: 
"If they did not set out for home, it was because they were not 
smart," which was plain intimation for them to go. Of course the 
officer in charge could not give permission, but the boys under- 
stood that if they could succeed, he would make no trouble. Not 
one of the men, however, had the least idea of deserting, but they 
were of no use to the government where they were, and they 
might as well go home on a short visit, returning as soon as it 
was announced that exchange had been effected. They did go, 
at least a portion of them, some one way, atid some another. 
They remained at home about a month, or until an order was is- 
sued for their return, from the Provost Marshal, in the district to 
which they belonged in Norwich. They made arrangements to 
return at once, and would have been back at Cam]) Parole, 
several days earlier than was the case, Init for the deception 
practiced upon them by two men from Hartford, named Chapman 
and Calhoun. .'Xmong the number were eleven men, from 
Putnam, who were basely imposed upon by meddling officials. 
The night before the boys intended to set out on their return, 
these men visited Putnam and informed the soldiers that they 
would furnish them transportation, cheaper and quicker than 
they could get it for themselves. This quicker passage proved to 
be via Hartford, New London and Governor's Island, New York. 
At the latter place they suffered great indignities, and were put 
into "Castle William," where they were compelled to lie on the 
bare floor, without blankets, or bedding, suffering not a little from 
the cold, it being about the middle of September. It was the 
opinion of the victims that they were safer in the hands of the 
rebels, than with their Hartford friends, whose infamous conduct 
will not be forgotten. With reference to this affair one of the 
boys wrote as follows Irom Annopolis: 

Once again, owing to the philanthropic and patriotic efforts of 
the friends of the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers, our regi- 
ment is somewhat numerously represented here. On our arrival 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 171 



we found it was not our loved and respected Uncle Sam: who 
wantid us, but some individuals who wished to demonstrate, to 
the wondering eyes of all beholders, the mighty poAver resident 
in the small body, and smaller soul of some of the petty officials 
of Connecticut, who, we suppose, consider their office almost, if 
not quite, equal to that of President of the United States, and are 
afraid that some may not be aware of the fact." 

It would have been a great deal more instructive than flat- 
tering to those friends of the soldier, if they had heard the opin- 
ions of the boys concerning their character, and the kind wishes 
e.xpressed for their present and future state. At this time the 
paroled prisoners had been removed from the old camp, into the 
new barracks built this summer, about a mile from the old loca- 
tion. The barracks were more comfortable than the old tents, 
but the)- were not comfortable enough to eradicate from the 
m.inds of the boys, their hatred and contempt for the "petty of- 
ficals" referred to above. Nor are they to be blamed for this. 
The officers knew that the soldiers were not deserters, they ac- 
knowledged they were not deserters, and, moreover, had said 
that had they been m their places the\- would not have done 
otherwise. 

After this, matters resumed their usual appearance at Camp 
Parole, and the boys tried hard to be contented with their idle 
life, though it was difficult to be contented. The camp was pleas- 
antlv located, on a level piece of ground, about a mile and a half 
fniin tlic city of Annapolis as before stated. There was a wood 
iDt near by. which furnished excellent shade in tlie heat of the 
d.i\ but at the same time, it harbored swarms of mosquitoes 
and llies, that persisted in desperate charges on the men at every 
opportunity. Finally it became the general opinion that fighting 
mosquitoes, was about as unpleasant and dangerous as fighting 
rebels. Good bathing places were within a short distance, and 
other pleasant surroundings and conveniences, made the situa- 
tion tolerable. If any one was not cleanly and measurably 



172 EIGHTEEXTH REGIMENT 



healthy, it was chieflj' his own fault. Rations were drawn regu- 
larly, and in sufficient quantity, and the men, divided into squads, 
suiting themselves as to the number in a squad, took turns in 
cooking and doing housework generally. Not a few boasted of 
their accomplishments in the culinary art, and many a "better 
half" at home, was informed of what she might expect in the 
line of instruction, if "fohnny should be so fortunate as ever to 
come marching home again." Hospital tents, a few rods in the 
rear of the camp were kept clean and comfortable, and the sick 
apparently were well cared for. Near at hand, also, was a good 
reading room, free to all, and furnished with tables, writing ma- 
terial in abundance, and a variety of things for the convenience 
and pleasure of the soldiers. The good Union people of Balti- 
more had the credit of providing all these comforts and conveni- 
ences. Religious meetings, singing schools, and debates, were 
held in one tent, where those disposed could spend much of their 
time pleasantly, and profitably. In fact the boys had nothing to 
do, but please themselves through the remainder of the month 
of September, and they succeeded as might have been expected. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. ly- 



CHAPTER VIII. 



:he regimem' reunited. 



On the :27th of September. 1863, Col. Peale was ordered to 
report to Gen. Mc Reynolds at Martinsburor, \'a. This being 
done, he was then ordered to Annapolis to conduct the paroled 
portion of the regiment to the same place, as it was reported that 
an exchange had been effected. The reunion occurred Octo- 
ber 3d, and was a time of great interest. For nearly four 
months the regiment had been in a condition of disruption and 
uncertainty, not at all favorable to military order and discipline, 
and the boys were glad to see each other once more. With 
reference to these movements we find the following recorded: 
The first is from a correspondent, M. C. T., of the Windham 
County Transcript, under date of October 16th, as follows: 

"Two weeks ago we left our encampment near Hagerstown, 
and marched to this place, and find ourselves once more with 
the brigade that escaped from Winchester. Fifty of our regi- 
ment were left at Hagerstown, for provost guard, and Lieut. 
Spaulding, Company D, is provost marshal there. The men have 
plenty of guard duty, as the force here is not large. Some of 
the boys became very much attached to Hagerstown, and were 
sorry to be ordered away, but last Tuesday orders came from 
the war department to remove all government stores to Harper's 
Ferry, and the sick were sent to Cumberland. The troops were 
then ordered to have three days' rations cooked, and to be ready 



174 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



to fall in at a moment's warning. Sutlers and store-keepers 
packed their goods, and many sent them off on the cars, negroes 
and non-combatants prepared to leave, and rumor said that Gen. 
Lee with his whole army was again in the valley. Our cavalry 
went out in all directions, but did not discover that any force of 
rebels had been near the place, with the exception of Imboden's 
cavalry. Forty of the rebels were captured and brought in last 
night. We miss our brave officers, the most of whom are still 
in Richmond and we feel rather weary of the situation here. The 
past three days have been full of excitement, but things are 
more quiet now." 

There were serious doubts with some of the regiment about 
the validity of the exchange, and hence some hesitation in 
resuming duty, as the following letter, signed "Tran.script De- 
partment," will show: 

"We are once more in camp with the regiment, having been 
brought from parole camp by Maj. Peale. Our arms have not 
yet been offered to us, and there is a disposition on the part of 
a majority, to refuse them, believing, as we do, that the exchange 
was unlawful. Therefore the men hesitated to return to duty, 
as in case of a re-capture they would be subject to be shot in- 
stantly and without trial." 

The difficulty, however, was soon satisfactorily settled, and 
the men resumed duty imder the government which justly de- 
manded and needed their services. At this time the regiment 
numbered about six hundred, with nine officers, four staff, and 
five of the line. Of the lield officers were Maj. Henrj- Pealf. in 
command; E. Benjamin Culver, adjutant; Josiah V. Harrington, 
first assistant surgeon; William B. North, second assistant sur- 
geon. ()f the line, thrf-e were captains, Joseph Mathewson, 
William L. Spaulding and John H. Morrison; Lieuts. Horatio 
Blanchard and Noadiah P. Johnson. It was a small number of 
commissioned officers for so large a number of men. Surgeons 
Harrington and North were not in very good health, the latter 




Capt. FRANKLIN 3. BIXBY. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 175 



having- but just recovered froT the typhoid fever which attacked 
him soon after his escape from Winchester, and which had been 
Induced by the exposure and fati'Tue of ih.u hast:y retreat. Dr. 
Harrington ur.d sufl' jred severely from th<> same causes, but the 
heaiui of the regiment, as a whc.e, at this time, was remarkably 
good. The camp was located aoout one-half of a mile west of 
the town, upon a slight elevation of wood-land, and was beauti- 
ful in its situation. The growth of timber was very fine and 
large, and the near proximity of the Federal troops furnished an 
excellent market for it as it rapidly disappeared, being converted 
into log huts, and fuel for camp fires. However, the boys were 
obliged to go a long distance for water for drinking and cooking 
purposes. Between the camp and the town there was a beauti- 
ful plain, a quarter of a mile in width, and half a mile long, 
which was used for company and regimental drills, and dress pa- 
rades. No place could have been better adapted for these pur- 
poses in dry weather, but after rain it was like most Virginia soil, 
muddy and slippery. The Eighteenth were not without pleas- 
ant neighbors. On the north was the camp of the Third and 
Fourth Regiments of Pennsylvania infantrv; on the south, the 
One hundred and sixteenth and One hundred and twenty-third 
regiments of Ohio infantry; and other regiments of infantry and 
cavalry were in close proximity, besides several batteries, making 
a large force in and about Martinsburg. All this force had ac- 
cess to the parade ground, drilled when it was convenient, 
thus making lively times during the fall and winter months. 
On the whole, the Eighteenth was as pleasantly situated 
for winter quarters as one could reasonably expect. Many 
rumors were now becoming rife as to the near approach 
of the rebels. On the 18th of October, there was quite 
a lively fight at Charlestown, eighteen miles away, and 
while this was progressing the roar of artillery was distinctly 
heard at Martinsburg, producing no little excitement. An order 
broke up the camp of the Eighteenth, and the paroled prisoners 



176 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



were sent off toward Williamsport, with the trains, while other 
regiments were drawn up in line of battle. After marching 
about eight miles, news came that the rebels had been forced to 
retreat, and in obedience to orders the regiment returned to 
Martinsburg, arriving in their old camp about nine o'clock in the 
evening, tired enough, and quite profane in their compliments 
for almost everybody, and the rebels in particular. It was their 
first really tiresome march, as a regiment, since their reunion. 
Life here was somewhat different from that, either at Annapolis. 
or Hagerstown. 

In speaking of the little scare on the i8th, it might be men- 
tioned that our Suiter, showed a little nervousness, as the firing 
continued and the troops began to move. He became very bene- 
volent all at once, and bf;gan to distribute his effects among the 
boys, some getting one thing and some another. The paroled pris- 
oners who marched toward Williamsport that day, were under the 
command of Lieut. Blanchard, Company B, some of whom thought 
the march to Richmond not much worse. The weather at this 
time was delightful and the regiment continued in excellent 
health. The boys entertained each other with a variety of good 
things, which they bought (confiscated) of the farmers in the 
vicinity of the camp. Hard tack and milk was the common dish, 
though, and on the whole it was not a disagreeable one. It is 
true the men sometimes forgot to pay the farmers for the privi- 
lege of milking their cows, (on the run too), into their canteens, 
"but then they would make it all right, when they came that way 
again, or when the war was over." We were a happ}' jolly crew, in 
those days, says one of them. October 21st. the regiment 
was ordered to report to headquarters, and arms were offered to 
the men, but some were still in doubt about the legality of the ex- 
change. Later in the day the regiment was ordered to the 
parade ground, when an officer from the general headquarters as- 
sured the boys, upon his "honor as a gentleman and an officer, 
that the exchange was all right." All then received arms and 
were ready for service again. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 177 



October 23d — a beautiful day. — Battallion drill in the after- 
noon and some of the men had cracker toast for supiicr. The 
latter was relished quite as well as the drill. 

October 29th, had the first drill, forenoon and afternoon sinct 
the reunion, as it was four months at least since most of the men 
had handled arms, and it was a little hard at first. 

October 25th, there was an inspection. It had been a long 
time since the regiment had had one, and Capt. Mathewson, Co. 
D, was the inspecting officer. Apple and bread for supper that 
night. It was luxurious living, some thought, for a soldier, but all 
were not quite so lucky. Next day there was guard mounting 
down town, and a large picket guard was sent by a round about 
wa)' to the north, where they camped in the woods and lay around 
during the day, and at milking time assisted the farmers, as usual. 
The men rarely torgot to be helpful when out on picket duty, and 
hence they fared sumptuous. In camp everything had gone 
on bravely; with logs and boards, comfortable tents and huts 
were made, and the general appearance was more like civilization. 
Special attention was given to the cook houses, and to make brick 
ovens in which to l)ake pork and beans. The latter arrangement 
proved to be an excellent institution as "Pork and beans day' 
suggested many pleasant recollections, and furnished occasion for 
the boys to brag about their proficiency in the culinary art. 

October 27th, George Hayes, Company H, died and was 
buried with military honors. Poor fellow, he had been sick a 
long time, but his discharge came at last. 

On October 30th, company drill as usual in the forenoon, but 
it was soon brought to a halt, to give the boys an opportunity to 
sign the pay-rolls. This delightful service had not been perform 
ed by some of the men for four months, and the prospect of 
receiving all ot sixt)-four dollars at one time, was quite exhilara- 
ting. The last day of October was cold and blustering, but the 
men did not mind it, as they were- marched on to the parade 
trround, for muster. 



178 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



V)v\x\n'y the day companies K, D and E, were ordered into town 
on provost duty, and were quartered in Grantham Hall, an 
old structure, not a little dilapidated and defaced, inside and 
out, though it still furnished quite comfortable quarters. Surgeon 
North was sent down from camp and had a room in the 
same building, but his health was so poor that he was really 
not able to attend to his duties. 

November 2d, Col. Rogers, post commander, reviewed his 
troops, and artillery, infantry, and cavalry marched t'-..ough the 
town, making a fine display. It pleased the Union people of the 
place, but the rebels looked as black as night. The army blue 
had no charms for them, and Lincoln's government was an 
abomination not to be endured. These fellows, however, could 
not help themselves; and there was some comfort in this thought. 
On November 5th there was another scare, as the rumor ran that 
Imboden's cavalry was coming. A citizen was mistaken, and 
soon everything became quiet again. 

November 6th, three companies were sent to town, the 
rest of the regiment being still in camp. Several promotions 
had been made before this time, to fill vacancies: First Lieut. 
John E. Woodward, Company ¥ , was promoted captain, October 
10th; First Lieut. John H. Morrison, Company L was promoted 
captain, October 19th; Second Lieut. M. V. B. Tiffany, Compa- 
ny L was promoted first lieutenant, October 19th; and .Second 
Lieut. Henry F. Cowles, Company C, was promoted first lieu- 
tenant, October loth. Oth-^r changes had been effected up to 
November, which had increased the numerical strength of the 
commissioned officers. Previously, on August 12th, private D. 
L. Wilson, Company C, was promoted second lieutenant, Third 
Maryland cavalry. No doubt these promotions were well de- 
served and not merely complimentar)-. 

On November 12th, the paymaster came again, and the Eigh- 
teenth went to bed that night with their pockets lined with 
greenbacks. Pay day was a gala day, and it was emphatically so 



CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



179 



that time, as it had been so \ox\<g since tin- men d been paid 
off. On the day previous, Gen. .Sulhvan had .' } ;en expected, 
and the troops all turned out to yive him a salute, but he did 
not come. Before paying off the men, the provost marshal had 
closed all the drinking saloons in town, and this was fruitful in 
keej^ing the money in the regiment. Nevertheless, the saloon 
keepers resorted to all sorts of ways to smuggle in the poison, 
but a close watch was kept for them. One day a lot ot barrels 
came to the depot, marked Hour, salt, potatoes, &c, but when 
examined each barrel was found to contain a large keg of 
whisky, with above articles packed around them, but on the whole 
prohibition worked well. There was better order among the 
soldiers, and less disturbance both in camp and in the town. 

November iSth, scouting parties and foraging trains were 
sent out in all directions, and they were quite successful. One 
party brought in thirteen prisoners, and a foraging train came 
with three hundred bushels of wheat, and a large cjuantity of 
corn. The ne.Kt day one hundred bushels of wheat and two 
hundred and fifty bushels of corn were brought in. This kind 
of work was exciting, and often resulted in important captures, 
and the seizures of rebel property, which was confiscated for 
use of the Federal government. In the meantime compan)-, bat- 
talion drill, and dress parade were daily duties, as circumstances 
and weather permitted. The old interest and pride of the 
Eighteenth seemed to be revived in these matters, and the 
promptness and efficiency of the men received the hearty com- 
mendation of regimental and brigade commanders. This was 
all the more creditable from the fact that their condition, for 
months previous, had been anything but favorable to progress 
in military science; it requiring constant activity and persever- 
ance to make a good soldier, as in other things. 

At the depot there was special work to do upon arrival of all 
the trains, and this duty was attended to by a corporal and 
twelve men from Company K, after November 21st. All sus- 



i'8© EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



picious looking trunks and boxes were examined, and in some 
instances the wardrobe of a single lady was found to be enor- 
mous. An excellent way was this to smuggle dress goods into 
"Dixie," and there was a great deal of it done, in spite of the 
closest vigilance on the part of the provost guard. 

November 25th. This was the second Thanksgiving spent 
in the service, and the friends at home did not forget their ab- 
sent ones. Boxes from various points in New London and Wind- 
ham Counties, had been arriving for several days in succession, 
so that by Thursday there were many happy hearts in the Eigh- 
teenth. Of course all the turkies eaten this day, did not come 
from Connecticut, for some of the stay at homes omitted to 
send contributions. Some had none to send, and some sent them 
too late, but most of the boys had a good time. One of them 
shall speak for the whole number on this question, though if all 
the letters could be produced, that were sent home about the 
"dinners" of that day in Martinsburg, they would make an inter- 
esting volume. One of Company D, writes as follows to the 
Windham Co. Transcript: 

"Again have we passed a thanksgiving away from home and 
loved ones, but it was not forgotten by us. We thought of the 
many Thanksgivings spent at the old homesteads, where children 
and grandchildren met, and in peace and happiness partook of 
the sumptuous- fare. We rem(;mb(;r thaf there are many who, as 
they meet upon this day. will mi»s those, who in former years, 
have always been with them. Yes, Thanksgiving day will be 
a sad time for many families throughout the land, and nearly 
every one will mourn the absence of father, brother, or son. Yet we 
have reason to give thanks for the blessing that so many of us are 
spared, and that our armie* are victorious; and let us hope and 
pray that before another year rolls round, the rebellion will be 
crushed, and we .shall be permitted to return to our homes. Many 
of the companies here had a good supper, and if the turkies were 
raised in Virginia, I think riiey were Union before we got through 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. i8i 



with them. Our own company had turkies and pkim pudding', 
served in a style that reminded us of home, and even the sick 
grew better at the sight ofthe heavily laden tables, and claimed 
their share of the good things. After supper remarks were made 
by members of the company, and 1 venture to say that if we live 
to return, we shall look back with pleasure to this time. But we 
would not have our readers believe we live like this all the time, 
for fear 'Uncle Sam.' would have more volunteers than he could 
find use for. There was preaching in the Methodist Church, both 
forenoon and evening, by the chaplains of regiments stationed 
here, and it was well attended by Companies D, E and K, station- 
ed in town, but those in camp were not allowed to go, havin*^"" 
but little time for religious meetings. Our regiment is very much 
in want of a cha[)lain at this time. 

A member of the Company K, gives a similar picture of affairs 
with them. The)' had turkey too, and other "fixins" all of which 
were pronounced very good. At this time the weather was 
splendid, the da\s being warm for the season though the nights 
were cooi. The men were in excellent spirits, Bragg's defeat in 
1 ennessee, and retreat into Cjeorgia, and some successes of the 
Army of the Potomac creating much good feeling generally, and 
the hope was strong that the Eighteenth would soon be on its 
way home. Patriotism ran high in the Eighteenth, and many 
letters were written home by individual members of the reo"iment 
to induce young men to enlist, and help put down the rebellion. 

The following is, perhaps, a fair specimen and worth preserv- 
ing, and shows the spirit that prevailed at the front. It was written 
by a member of Company 1), Frank W. Cheney, to his sister in 
Eastford, Conn. Frank was a good fellow, every inch a soldier 
and brim full of patriotism ; but we shall let him speak for him- 
self. He writes: 

" I have the same things to do, day after da)-, but I consider 
that it is for m)' country, and if 1 live to get home, after the war 
is ended, I shall be satisfied. There is one thing about it that 



1 82 EIGHTEENTH REGhMENT 



is sure, I would not bt; a youn^^ man at home in security at such 
time of our country's danger. It seems to me that I could not 
sleep it I was at home now, knowing how much my country 
"needs me. Thank God, 1 am fighting to save it ! You girls, at 
home, are not half as patriotic as you ought to be. If you were, 
our army would be full of young men. You ought not to speak 
to a )oung man who will not go wh.ire duty calls. Kate, now I 
am .i^oing to give you som : good advice, and do heed it, if you 
love your poor brother at all. Don t ever marry a man who has 
not been a soldier. I consider tl at there is very little true 
manhood in any young man, who continues at home, whon his 
country has called so long, and is still calling for all her loyal 
sons to rally for her support. What we want is more men. 
Our armies have been successful all through the summer cam- 
paign, and of course ha\ e got thinned out, now more men are 
wanted to press on the rebels while they are discouraged. In 
all your actions, dear sister, remember you are sister to a soldier, 
and allow no one, who has not patriotism enough to do what he 
can in the cause, to have anything to say to you. Perhaps you 
think 1 write too much and too strongly on this point, but it is 
true. The North is not half awake. While you are living in 
security at home, you do not realize that there is a bloody war 
going on, that is to decide whether we have a country or not. 
If we loose our cause, it will show to other nations what a de- 
generate race we are — not willing to save the free institutions 
our fore-fathers fought seven years to bestow on us, their 
descendants." 

Noble sentiments ! They ought to be handed down to future 
generations, as indicative of the noble qualities of the men com- 
posing the Eighteenth and of the Union Army as a whole. On 
November 30th, .Second Lieut. Noadiah P. Johnson, Company 
D, was promoted to first lieutenant, and Sergeant Franklin G. 
Bixby was promoted to be second lieutenant of the .same com- 
pany. These officers had done excellent service, and well de- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. i8: 



served their new honors. Both of them were successful teachers 
before the war, and left remunerative positions to take part 
in the war for the Union. And there were many more in the 
ranks who would have filled an officer's position, had there 
been offices enough for all. 

As the cold weather came on, the number of deserters from 
the sinking confederacy, greatly increased. Refugees from up 
the valley were glad also to partake of Union hospitality. It was 
a sad story that most of them told, of want and destitution and 
high prices of living. They were a care-worn pitiful looking set. 
A deserter from Stuart's cavalry came in one morning and took 
breakfast with the Eighteenth pickets, after which the poor fel- 
low said: "I feel the happiest now I have for many months, and 
there are thousands who would leave if they could." 

A great many of these unfortunates were glad to take the oath 
of allegiance, declaring they were sick of the war. Large numbers 
of contrabands came in also, and were employed as waiters and 
teamsters. On the whole the Eighteenth had very interesting 
experiences with Confederate deserters, who seemed glad to get 
away from the dominion of "jelT Davis." It was pleasing also to 
note the growing sentiment of the citizens in M.irtinsburg and 
vicinity, in favor of the Union cause, as the opinion was gaining 
ground that the "Confederacy" must soon be destroyed. 

Capt. Thomas K. Kates, Company B, wounded at Winchester 
June 15th, was honorably discharged November 1 7th, as there 
was no prospect of his speedy recovery. This was a matter of 
general regret, especially in his company, as Capt. Bates was a 
strict disciplinarian, much .espected, and his loss was deeply 
felt. 

Of tie twenty-four officers taken to Libby, Surgeon Holbrook 
was tie first to be exchanged. On November 23d, the follow- 
ing record v/as made by an inmate of Libby. "The prospect 
of an imi lediate exchange having vanished, there seems to be 
no hope, for at least two months to -come. We can with bu,t 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



slight certainly predict the future." Five long months have 
passed, and "hope deferred makes the heart sick." It was 
therefore a joyful surprise, when on the 25th of November, the 
surgeons in Libby, or a part of them, were informed that they 
were exchanged. Major Turner issued the order for the sur- 
geons to fall in, early in the morning. There was a general 
desire on the part of the remaining prisoners, to send some word 
to their friends at home, at the hands of the liberated. Though 
the medical gentlemen were quite willing to oblige their com- 
rades, they had to be e.\ceedingly careful not to be detected. 

All the exchanged were carefully searched, and all contraband 
articles found on their persons were not only taken away, but all 
such persons were retained. If only one or two had been going 
away, it would have been possible to make a rigid examination, 
and if nothing objectionable was found, to let them pass. But 
there being so large a number, there was no time for so minute 
an inspection, and hence all articles found were confiscated. 
But the sharp rebel officials, in some instances, were outwitted. 
Letters written on tissue paper were concealed in coat-buttons, 
under the soles of boots and shoes, and the crowns of hats, and 
cuffs were ripped open and filled with letters, and then sewed to- 
gether again. " Every device was resorted to, which promised 
success." The prisoners were, of course, anxious, in some way 
to convey to their friends the "secret of communicating with 
them, without the knowledge of the rebels." Thus: " Hold this 
paper to the light," wrote one, while another directed a box to 
be sent him with greenbacks hidden in a roll of butter, or in a 
piece of cheese, or inside a pickle, or a bottle of vinegar." It 
was hoped that the surgeons would make such representations 
at Washington, as would bring about a general exchange. Sur- 
geon Holbrook was the bearer of important information to the 
friends of his comrades, in different parts of New London and 
Windham counties. He remained in Washington no longer 
than was necessary, and made his way home to New England, 



*^. 




CONNECTICUT ]OLUNTEERS. 185 



He went direct to Providence, R. I., and thence to Thompson, 
Conn. His arrival in Connecticut was an event of importance 
to home friends. He was besieijed everywhere, and plied with 
questions with reference to the condition of the remaininij officers 
of the regiment, and as to the probability of their release. 
There was a general desire to hear the surgeon on this subject, 
hence he wrote an address portraying his "Experiences in 
Libby." A public meeting was called in Putnam, on Monday 
evening, December 14th, and Quinebaug hall was filled with the 
friends of the Eighteenth, who listened for one hour and a half, 
with unflagging interest, to his able address. His views of the 
character of the leaders of the l^ebellion, its objects, and the mel- 
ancholy results that must follow a failure to suppress this deter- 
mined onset against republican institutions, together with his 
portrayal of the patriotic endurance of his many fellow prisoners, 
who were willing to suffer to the last rather than have our gov- 
ernment yield to any terms of exchange that would be dishonor- 
able to our cause, were given with the force and energy of one 
who had seen and felt the monstrous and outrageous tyranny of 
the Southern Confederacy. This address was published after- 
ward in the Windham County Transcript, in a series of articles, 
which gave universal satisfaction. 

Dr. Holbrook's experiences were read by the regiment at 
Martinsburg with the deepest interest. The boys were pleased 
to hear directly from their officers in Libby whom they greatly 
missed. Their continued absence was the topic of daily con\er- 
sation, and there was a growing desire for their return, as their 
presence was needed. There could be no promotions while th<=y 
were still members of the regiment, hence officers of a lower 
grade were obliged to do the work ot the higher. Most of tl\e 
companies were under the command of lieutanants and orderly 
sergeants doing the service of a higher grade. In some instan- 
ces one lieutenant had charge of two or three companies. Thus 
the regiment suffered not a little for the want of more commis- 



186 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



sioned officers. This want was felt more seriously at a later 
period when it was ordered again to the front. However, but 
few regiments ever showed more proficiency in drill and disci- 
pline under the same circumstances than did the Eighteenth. 
The few officers remaining performed their dut) well, and took 
commendable interest and pride in having their command under 
good discipline and drill. It was very creditable, however, to 
the whole regiment that absentees were kindly remembered, and 
their return ardently desired. It is not to be expected that the 
best of feeling will always prevail among officers, or between the 
officers and privates of the same regiment. There will be feuds 
and jealousies, detractions and evil speakings. The Eighteenth 
was blameworthy in some of these respects, still it is but just to 
say that there was not a regiment in the service in which a bet- 
ter spirit was shown in all grades, and among all grades than in 
this; and a contrary feeling and action were the e>'ceptions. In 
proof of this, it is only necessary to refer to the kind manner in 
which the men often referred to their absent officers, and the 
general wish on the part of both officers and privates at Martins- 
burg for the return of that portion of their regiment in Libby. 
Whether in writing home to their friends, or in conversation 
with each other, the same kind and appreciative language was 
observable. It is due to all concerned, and as a very pleasant 
feature in the history of the Eighteenth, that some of these 
comments should be recorded. 

A private, writing home, says: " We miss our brave officers 
greatly; most of whom are still in Richmond." Another writes: 
"We feel proud of our officers. They were in the thickest of 
the fight, and displayed the best qualities of soldiers." Another 
comments: "Little, knots of us gather and talk of the bravery 
and coolness of our officers and men, and could strangers listen 
they would know how deep is the affection of the soldiers of the 
Eighteenth for their comrades. All are lavish in their praises. 
As a child treasures up the recollection of his parents, so do we 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



treasure the recollection of our commanders." Many an evening 
was spent in the tents at Martinsburg discussing the merits of 
different officers and privates who distinguished themselves in 
the battle at Winchester. All were agreed that Capt. Kibble's 
excursion to Richmond might have been better managed by the 
Yankees in every respect. That it was so was not the fault of 
the commanders, either of the field or line. Col. Elj-'s name 
was often mentioned with pride, and Lieut. Col. Nichols aston- 
ished all his command b)- his bravery and daring, winning 
universal admiration. Maj. Peale was fearless and brave, and 
it was universally admitted that almost every line officer was 
worthy of promotion. It is no wonder then that the men often 
wrote home that their officers in Libby were missed, and an- 
ticipated the time of their return with unfeigned pleasure. 
About this time a letter was written by Lieut. Scranton, Compa- 
ny K, in reply to some of these commendations, calling attention 
to the fact that Capt. Matlhewson, of the same company, de- 
served the highest praise for leading his company in three 
charges in the face of the greatest dangers. 

Among other matters of special interest about the first of 
December, was an e.xtensive revival of rehgion in Martinsjjurg. 
The Methodist church was open nearly every evening for a while, 
and there was preaching by the chaplains of the One Hundred 
and Sixteenth and One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio regiments 
of infantry. The meetings were attended by many of the sold- 
iers, and among othi rs, Companies D, H and K. Eighteenth 
Connecticut, stationed in town. .Soldiers and citizens bowed to- 
gether in worship, and many sought and found the Saviour. 
The influence of this revival was very salutary, and a great 
change was manifest in the deportment of the soldiers. Hoqie 
friends were made glad by the glowing accounts which the new- 
ly converted sent them of the pleasing work. The members of 
the church took great interest in this revival, and often invited 
the men to visit them, when oft dut) , for religious conference. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



sino-ing and prayer. One custom of the people here was new to 
New England men, viz.: that of kneeling in public prayer on the 
Sabbath. It was an interesting sight to see a crowded assembly 
fell at once upon their knees and join in the public prayers of 
the pulpit, as well as of the conference meeting. Many soldiers 
will never forget those interesting and impressive scenes of re- 
ligious enjoyment. 

On December loth seven companies were ordered to Charles- 
town, rumor being rife of the near approach of rebels. Gen. 
Averill, with a body of cavalry, was to go up the valley at the 
same time with the Eighteenth. At Strasburg thirty rebels 
were captured. The Eighteenth had a rough time at Charles- 
town, and were absent eighteen days. Returned to camp at 
Martinsburg on Christmas day. As they passed through the 
town, on their way back, three hearty cheers were given for the 
old flag. Their transit through the town created considerable 
excitement. The men were glad enough to get back to camp. 
During their absence twenty-two recruits had arrived for the 
regiment. They came on December 1 7th, and the men were 
distributed among the different companies, Company D having 
seven of the number, and lacking only five of having its full com- 
plement, including a few who were absent on account of sickness. 

On December 19th Martinsburg was barricaded, aline of posts 
being driven across the street. These were eight or nine feet in 
height, and intended to prevent the rebel cavalry from surprising 
the town. Many of the men received a portion of their .State 
bounty at this time, ten dollars each, and Christmas day passed 
very pleasantly. At the beginning of the holidays, some of the 
boys in town had roast turkey and other good things, while the 
principal part of the regiment, having just come in from their 
eighteen days' visit to Charlestown, were glad to take what they 
could, after their arrival in camp. Company E, Capt. Palmer, 
reHeved Company D, and the latter was ordered to report at 
Hagerstown, Md. This change caused some complaint in cer- 



CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



tain quarters, but there was no help for it. Soldiers must obey 
orders without asking questions. Lorenzo N. Buck, Company 
B, died December 28th, and his body was sent home to his fami- 
ly in Putnam, Conn., the next day, being escorted to the depot 
with military honors. Buck was an excellent man, a good sold- 
ier, who enlisted from sincere convictions of duty. His loss was 
deeply felt in his company. His body was taken to Connecticut 
and buried in the same grave with that of his son, who died two 
days later. The funeral services were held in the Baptist church 
ill Putnam, the sermon being preached by W. C. Walker. On 
December 31st, the regiment received light marching orders. 
Next day the order was given for the three companies in town 
to fall in, and they did so, stacking their arms in front of head- 
quarters. Gen. Averill was in command oi the post. Next, the 
Fourteenth Pennsylvania cavalry came in from a scout up the 
valley. The whole cavalry force at that time amounted to about 
three thousand men, but they were badly broken down, men and 
horses having suffered greatly in the valley, for lack of food and 
clothing. At that time Gen. Averill had his boots stolen, and 
his feet were frozen. His good-humored remark was, that if any 
one needed the boots more than he did, he was welcome to 
them. All the soldiers were loud in the general's praises. He 
was a man of medium size, quick in his movements, and of fine 
appearance. The first day of 1864 was an exciting one, the 
rebels being expected, though they failed to come. At night, 
the Eighteenth was in its old quarters, in town and camp. On 
January 6th, Company H was ordered from camp, to do duty in 
the town, the weather being cold, with some snow. Two more 
scouting parties came in, after a skirmish with the rebels, and 
brought in one prisoner. 

January 8th, what is this that sounds so much like Yankee 
winter music ? The merry sleigh bells ! But what sleighing ! 
" All slush, and nothing else !" " It does very well, however, 
for Viro[inia." But how the sight and sound of sleighs and bells 



T90 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



made the boys sigh for home and the merry sleighing parties of 
old Windham county. The Baltimore, train was quite late, on 
account of the snow which was about four inches on a level. 

Sunday, January 23d, there was considerable excitement, be- 
cause William Taylor, Company Iv, fired at a railroad man, 
though nothing serious came of it. Gen. Averill had been 
relieved of the command of the post, and a Col. Rogers ap- 
pointed in his place. In the meantime the men, both in camp 
and town, made the most of the situation, and enjoyed them- 
selves as best they could. The rations were of excellent quality, 
and of sufficient quantity, each company having its own cook 
and meals served at regular hours. This arrangement gave gen- 
eral satisfaction and gave the men an opportunity to display 
their Yankee ingenuity in tr?de, and* to supply themselves with 
many luxuries, in exchange for coffee and sugar. It was quite 
amusing to see the men leaving camp with their haversacks and 
pockets loaded with articles for barter, and in appearance re- 
sembling Yankee peddlers. On their return they seemed well 
pleased with their success. In this way some companies raised 
quite a fund to draw upon for extra occasions. The citizens 
generally were well satisfied with the arrangement. They were 
generally as anxious to get the coffee and sugar, as the soldiers 
were to obtain butter, eggs, hams and milk, which was an im- 
provement on Uncle Sam's rations. 

Another matter of considerable interest was the establishment 
of a singing school in town, under the leadership of A. C. Green, 
Company A, in which the citizens were invited to participate. 
Of course this entertainment attracted the Union ladies, who 
attended in respectable numbers, their presence and singing 
adding much to the pleasure of the school, which always drew 
crowded houses. Green was well supported by the Hoveys, 
Kerr and Parker, of his own company, Amesbury of Company 
B, the Jordans of Company H and the Prays of Company K, 
and other members of the regiment, equally interested in the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 191 



success of the entertainment. Instrumental music also was in- 
troduced, which kept the "choir steady on the key," and gave life 
and zest to the whole affair. Clergymen and their wives, and 
other leading citizens lent their presence and influence. The 
recollections of these scenes will be among the most pleasant in 
the experiences of the Eighteenth in Virginia. 

During the month of January, 1S64, recruits arrived almost 
weekly, and were distributed among the different companies, as 
they were needed to fill up the quota. Dr. Holbrook had re- 
turned from Libby after the close of his furlough, and the regi- 
ment began to assume more of its former appearance, in numbers, 
drill and efficiency. Among other recruits, came a new chap- 
lain, Rev. W. C, Walker, of Putnam. Conn. He arrived in camp 
and reported to Major Peale's headquarters on the afternoon of 
the first day of F"ebruary, and was assigned temporarily to the 
surgeon's quarters. These consisted of a long tent, with two 
apartments, one of which was occupied by .Surgeons Holbrook 
and Harrington, the other by the hospital steward. Dick Ripley. 
There was one spare bed, and here the new chai>lain began his 
new life "on the old camp ground." The weather was quite cold 
and for the first few nights it was difficult to keep off the shivers. 
However, the hardening process went on bravely, and the new 
comer began to accommodate himself to the situation. The 
regiment had been without a chaplain for more than ten months, 
and a desire had been frequently expressed, by some of the regi- 
ment, that another be appointed; hence the presence of this 
recruit gave very general satisfaction. 

It was evident, however, that the chaplain had never studied 
the tactics very tlioroughly, for when he came out on dress pa- 
rade, for the first time, it was thought by some that he would be 
a better Walker, than a marcher. It was remarked, however, 
that the chaplain "talked pretty well, and would become popu- 
lar," even if he was a little awkward on dress parade. 

The first religious service was held in a soldier's tent, or log 



192 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



hut, in Company D, which was quite large and convenient, and 
it was crowded while many stood outside to hear. It was a 
meeting of peculiar interest. Several of the soldiers prayed with 
great fervency, thanking the Lord that he had sent them a 
"chaplain to care for their souls." They seemed to take special 
delight in singing, which was heard all over the camp, producing 
a pleasing impression. On February 3d a funeral service was 
held in the open air. 

On P'ebruary 6th Maj. Peale ordered a large board tent to be 
erected for the chaplain in which religious meetings could also 
be held evenings, and the men could meet in the daytime to 
read, sing, and write letters to their home friends. This proved 
a place of pleasant resort, and seemed to be highly appreciated. 
Arrangements had been made to furnish the regiment with read- 
ing matter, consisting of the horhe papers, viz.: Norwich Week- 
ly Courier, Windham County Transcript, Willimantic Journal, 
Christian Secretary, New York Independent, Boston Recorder, 
and other papers obtained at the Christian Commission rooms in 
Martinsburg. These were distributed regularly, and each week 
the men received the local news from home. The Christian 
Commission, before this, had done excellent work in the regiment, 
its agents visiting it nearly every week, making a general dis- 
tribution of papers, and supplying writing materials and .other 
much needed articles for the use and comfort of the soldiers. 
On February 7th the chaplain preached in the German church 
in Martinsburg, a large number of the men being allowed to 
leave camp to attend the service with the companies in town. 
There was a large congregation, chiefly soldiers, a few citizens 
being present, a very small proportion of whom were women. 

The camp hospital had but few inmates at this time, the regi- 
ment being in remarkably good health. Those who were ill 
were furnished with pleasant accommodations, and Surgeons 
Holbrook and Harrington managed this dejjartment to the gen- 
eral satisfaction. " We could not have better care if at home," 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 193 



was the comment of an invalid. David M. Colvin and John Har- 
rington. Companies B and K. had the care of the sick and gave 
them every possible attention. A short religious service was 
held every evening, which was conducted by the chaplain. 

The month of February passed very pleasantly. The duty 
was not hard. When the weather and grounds would permit, 
company drill in the forenoon, and battalion drill in the afternoon 
was the order of the day. In these disciplinary exercises the regi- 
ment recovered its former interest and pride in military tactics, 
and won the hearty commendations of its own officers, and of the 
brigade inspectors. There was one alarm during the month. 
The rebels had robbed a passenger train a few miles from 
Martinsburg, near Duffield Station, on the morning of the 12th. 
and the Eighteenth was sent out early on that morning on the 
road toward Winchester — troops being dispatched in all directions 
with a view to cut off the retreat of the robbers, but they escaped. 
The Eighteenth, however, went as far as Winchester, returning 
early the ne.Kt morning, having marched forty-four miles. It was 
a tiresome march. This was their first visit to Winchester since the 
three days' fight of June previous. The rebel citizens gave the 
regiment a cool reception, and they were glad to get back to 
Martinsburg. On Sunday, the 14th. the chaplain preached in the 
Methodist Church. The men in camp were permitted to attend, 
in company with those of the regiment in the town, a larger num- 
ber of citizens being present than at the church on the Sunday 
preceding. At the close of the service the pastor of the church 
thanked the chaplain heartily for his sermon, and invited him to 
come again. A day or two previous Oliver B. Burnham, Com- 
pany K, accidentally shot himself and died a short time 
afterwards. His remains were sent to Killingly, Conn., where his 
family resided. His sad death produced a d jcp impression. He 
had been a convert at the recent revival, ana died the death ot a 
Christian. 

On the 16th there was great excitement in the hospital on ac- 



194 EIGFlTEENTH REGIMENT 



count of the breaking out of the small-pox. The poor soldier who 
was thus afflicted was sent to the small-pox hospital on the road 
to Harper's Ferry, two or three miles away. To the surprise of 
all the disease did not spread. On February 25th two companies 
went out on a scout but returned in the eveninij^, making the camp 
jubilant with their good spirits. On the 29th the regiment was 
mustered for pay. For several days following the weather was 
very disagreeable, but all made the best of it, and enlivened the 
time with an occasional "sham snow fight." 

March 6th proved our last Sabbath in Martinsburg for a long 
time. Had preaching in the old court house. In the evening, 
while a religious service was being held in camp, an order came 
to move. This announcement was a complete surprise. 
There was not much sleep in camp that night, and at day- 
light the camp was fairly in a blaze, everything that would burn 
being destroyed. The scene was one not soon to be forgotten. 
Before sunrise the order came to "fall in," and all things being in 
readiness to move, the regiment was marched through the town 
to the depot, and stowed away in box cars for Harper's Ferry- 
Companies A and G were sent on to Frederick City, Md., com" 
panics B and U to Monocacy Junction, and Company C to a 
place near Berlin on the i'jtomac. The remainder of the regi- 
ment was sent to Bolivai Heig. s. and occupied a camp just 
vacated by the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. It was 
very pleasant thus to find a camp all in readiness for occupation. 
The officers were (juartered in an old gov<-rnment buikling, except- 
ing Maj. Peale, who had his headquarters in a tent. The weath- 
er was disagreeable indeed, alternating from rain to snow, and 
with high winds. Camp fires were as much a necessity as in the 
dead of winter. The teamsters had to go a long distance for 
wood, and all in all, though the regiment found tents in readiness, 
the men soon learned their change had not been for the better. 
They bemoaned their warm log houses at Martinsburg, which 
they had so lately reduced to ashes. Of course there was grum- 




Lieut, a Adj. GEORGE W. BRADY. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 195 



bliiig, but soldiers are permitted to grumble so long as they obey 
orders. Remained here twenty-one days, during which time Capt. 
Spaulding, with a portion of his company, returned to the regiment 
from Hagerstown, Md. The captain also had left ver) comfort- 
able quarters, and his command was as much disturbed by the 
change as the main body of the regiment. However, all seemed 
in good spirits. At this time there was considerable e.xcitement, 
and camp rumors in great variety were the order of the day. The 
spring campaign was about to open, and what would be the posi- 
tion of affairs the next day, or even hour, was a matter of ab- 
sorbing interest to every soldier. Constant changes were croino- 
on, troops were passing every day on the Baltimore and Ohio 
r.i'lroad, and scouting parlies we're sent out in various directions. 
Th -• liighteenth was sent over Loudon Heights, and up the val- 
ley as far as .Snickersvilli- for three days, but the)- found no 
rebels in arms, and only a \^\\ old women, who were in the habit 
of harboring and feeding Moseby's cu .-throats, and other bands 
of guerillas. Loudon valley, from the beginning of the war, wa.s 
a popular resort for rebels, and from this point were started nu- 
merous raids into the Union lines. It was not until late in the 
war that Sheridan succeeded in dri\ ing them out of the \alle\'. 
Had this been done before far less injury would have been in- 
flicted on the Union cause in the vicinity of Harper's Ferr) 
during the war. There was hardly a day, while this place was 
occupied by Union troops, that rebel spies or scouts were not 
taking a view of the situation from Loudon Heights. Union 
soldiers knew they were being watched daily by men within 
easy musket range, and they hardly ever felt safe in penetrating 
the outskirts of the place. The capture of the rebel spies and 
cut-throats was a thing of daily occurrence. Refugees also 
were constantly coming in from the Shenandoah valley. The 
old jail on the island was full of prisoners of war, and the upper 
story of the Lockwood house, on tht^ heights near the camp of 
the Eighteenth, was crowded with refugees. Corporal John E. 



196 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

Barrows, Company H, had charge of this department for some 
time. Many of these men had a sad story to tell of the oppres- 
sion and outrages of the Southern confederacy. 

It is exceedingly difficult to keep pace with all the changes in 
a regiment oi soldiers for three or six months, there are so many 
on the sick list, while others are discharged for disability, and 
for promotion in other regiments, and some desertions. Dur- 
ing the' winter and spring of '63 and '64 but few deaths occurred, 
except what have already been noted. Of Company A, William 
H. Towne died March 28th ; Wallace Fox, Company E, died 
February 2d; Julius J. I-lood, Company E, died February 3d; 
Nathan B. Green, Company F, died February 24th; Henry 
Apley, Company H, died January 9th. P'ourteen men had been 
discharged for disabilit)' in all the companies; seventet-n had been 
transferred to the invalid corps, and several others to the veteran 
reserve corps. As evidence of the good material of which the 
Eighteenth was composed, from fifteen to twenty of all grades 
had passed a rigid examination before a military board at Wash- 
ington for promotion to other regiments under commissions. 
This fact was considered a compliment to them and to the 
regiment. The names of those promoted vtill appear in the 
roll of the regiment at the proper time and place. Most of 
those receiving the appointments left the regiment during the 
months of February and March, and the) were a severe loss 
which could hardly be afforded at this time as so many of the 
officers were still in Libby. But about the last of March the 
welcome news was received that a portion of the officers were 
exchanged, viz.: Col. Ely, Lieut. Col. Nichols, Capts. (jeorge 
W. Warner, and John E. Woodward; Lieuts. I. N. Kibbe, John 
McGinnis, M. V. B. Tiffany, Joseph P. Rockwell and others. 
This news created considerable interest in the regiment, the 
return of so many of the officers to their respective posts of duty, 
being anticipated with great pleasure, and as a hopeful sign of 
greater efficiency in the campaign then opening. Col. Ely, as 



coNN/ic ricur vol unteers. 



197 



early as February, had made his escape from Libby through the 
famous tunnel or " Yankee \\ onder," as the rebels called it, but 
he had been recaptured, and on accoimt of the failure of that 
effort, it was a very aijreeable surprise to hear of his release and 
sptted)' return to his post with his old cf)mmand. 



198 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER IX. 



GOING HOME TO VOTE. 



Every day the regiment had some new cause for excitement. 
All sorts ot rumors were afloat, when, to the surprise of almost 
e\erybody, the order came on the 28th of March to report as 
soon as possible at Norwich, Conn. This order was received 
with shouts of joy. The prospect of going home, no matter for 
what purpose, was cheering enough, and produced the greatest 
excitement. No man reported at sick call that morning unless 
he was forced to do so, going home being the best treatment for 
a sick soldier. "Hurrah for Connecticut!" " Hurrah for Gov- 
ernor Buckingham," and "hurrah for everybody in the land of 
wooden nutmegs," was the watchword of the hour. At three 
o'clock in the afternoon the regiment was homeward bound, crowd- 
ed into box cars, and one old rickety passenger car for the officers 
and several ladies, wives of either the officers or soldiers. It took 
nearly all the following night to reach Baltimore, where the regi- 
ment arrived at four o'clock next morning. Some of the men jok- 
ingly declared that the engineer and conductor must be rebels, 
that they mistrusted for what purpose the Eighteenth were being 
sent home, and therefore determined on delay so that the men 
should not reach the land of steady habits until after the election. 
However there was some swearing as well as joking, but neither 
the one nor the other put more speed into the sleepy engineer. 
Remained in Baltimore about four hours; after breakfast at the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 199 



Soldiers Relief marched across the city and took the cars for 
Philadelphia, where the train arrived about five P. M. The troops 
were thirteen hours on the road. This record surpassed the 
Baltimore and Ohio road for slowness. At the same rate of pro- 
gress it was thought that the year would not be long enough in 
which to reagh Connecticut. Marched to the Cooper Relief As- 
sociation rooms, where there was a bounteous supper in waiting, to 
which full justice was done by the weary and hungry soldiers. 
About dark crossed to the Camden and Amboy station, and took 
the cars for New York. Arrived there next morning, about one 
o'clock. At New York found a small steamboat in waiting, too 
small by far to accommodate so large a number of troops. But 
the men "piled in" before day-light. There was scarcely room to 
step without putting a foot on somebody, and the situation was 
anything but comfortable. In the meantime a northeast storm 
set in with great fury, and withal it was very gloomy and cold. 
The remarks made on the situation were not complimentary to 
railroad accommodations and steamboat companies, as there was 
a general feeling of indignation that such a small craft should 
have been provided to convey the regiment through the sound to 
Norwich. Luckily, or providentially, the plan of sending the 
men by boat was abandoned, as the storm increased, and greatly 
to the delight of all the soldiers, many of whom seemed to think 
they had had a narrow escape. Accordingly the regiment was 
transported by rail to New Haven, and thence set out at 9 A. .M. 
for Norwich, by the way of New London, the storm grow- 
ing worse ami worse. At the Connecticut River vere detained 
about three hours on account of the storm and a strong tide. 
The ferry-boat was obliged to cross thrice, and at one time there 
appeared to be great danger of her being swept out into the 
sound. But at last a landing was effected, and in a short time 
the regiment was on the move again, ;irriving in Norwich 
about twelve o'clock the same night. Nearly three days had 
been consumed on the way from Harper's Ferry to Norwich. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Marched at once to Treadway's Hall, where a collation was in 
readiness, and that part of the regiment <vho had not already 
reached their homes in the city f^njoyed the hospitality of Nor- 
wich friends, which was very acceptable excepting the l1oor 
mattresses; but these seemed easier than the soft side of a pine 
board or the ground of Virginia. On the whole it was a joyful 
occasion. The next day, April ist, the regiment was scattered 
through New London and Windham Counties enjoying the warm 
congratulations, hospitality and love of friends. The next three 
short days, were spent in delightful intercourse with old-time 
neighbors and friends. 

The time seemed so short that on the Sabbath allusion was 
made almost in every pulpit in Eastern Connecticut to the arrival 
of the Eighteenth and many blessings were invoked in their 
behalf. On many accounts it was a solemn and interesting oc- 
casion. The Eighteenth had come home, but not all of them. 
Many had slept their last sleep, and their remains were resting in 
Southern soil, they having fallen either in battle or by disease. 
Others were still prisoners of war, literalK' starving to death, or 
suffering from rebel hardships. In many a home that day 
there was weeping for the hopelessly absent. The widow 
sat solitary and disconsolate. The arrival of the Eighteenth had 
awakened only painful recollections of departed hoijcs, and heart 
rending losses and disappointments. Children mourned for their 
fathers, and loving sisters for their brothers. There was only 
one thing that afforded sorrowing ones the least comfort. They 
could make inquiries of the living and learn more particulars of 
their lost ones from lips of comrades than by correspondence. 
On the whole, it was a day of conllicting emotions to the visitors 
themselves. It was a great joy to be with their families, but 
in a few days separation would come again with added sadness. 
The rough, self-denying life of a soldier had taught an impressive 
lesson of the priceless value of home comforts, and the thought 
of returning again to a life of comparative want and barbarism 



COXXE C TIC U T I 'OL UXTEERS. 



was exceedingly painful and distressing; neveptheless it must be 
done. The cup of pleasure pressed to their lips by loving hands 
would soon be dashed away. The country still needed theij- 
services. The old Hag must be defended to the last. The. i)ovyer 
of treason at home and Rebellion in the South must be broken. 
A campaign was about opening which would in all probabiHty 
decide the question whether the cause of the Union should live or 
die. The government at Washington expected every man, every 
soldier, to do his whole duty. Wiien they sent the Eighteenth, 
home on the 2.Sth of March they expected it to serve their cause 
as much by votes as could possibly be done by arms in the 
held. This dutv done, and a man re-elected to fill the chair of 
the State who would stand manfully by the general government 
in its work of crushing the Rebellion, the soldier must return to 
the field to face the men who had sworn to pull down the stars 
and stripes and place in their stead the emblems of Secession. 
It is to the glory of the Eighteenth that it was as loyal at the polls 
as in the held. Hence it never did a better deed for the country's 
honor and perpetuity than on the 4th day of April, 1864. when 
it cast nearly its entire vote for William A. Buckingham for 
Governor of the State of Connecticut. This was a glorious charge 
on the enemy in the rear. A telling ^'ictory over the opposition 
to a holy cause at home. Three cheers for the paper bullets of 
the Eighteenth Connecticut. 

Monday, April 4th, 1S64. was an earnest working-day with the 
Eighteenth. Before twelve that night the wires flashed the joy- 
ous result to the anxious I^resident of the United States. William 
A. Buckingham, the faithful ally of the government in its struggle 
with the Rebellion, re-elected Governor of the State of Connecti- 
cut. By this act the State v.as kept true and faithful to the 
cause of the Union through the dark and terrible days of 1864, 
when the enemies of Lincoln's administration put forth their 
most earnest and cruel efforts to save the Confederacy from defeat 
and failure. The adherence of Connecticut to the President had 



EIGH TEE NTH REGIMENT 

^ 



its significance and power. It greatly strengthened the courage 
of the Unionists, both citizens and soldiers, and was the pre- 
cursor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln in November 
following. It may, be repeated, the Eighteenth never made a 
better fight lor the Union than on that eventful first Monday of 
April. Every such victory had a telling and disheartening effect 
upon the disunionists everywhere. It had its intluenceon England 
and France also, in preventing their recognition of the Southern 
Confederacy. This work being accomplished the Eighteenth 
was ready to return to the front and measure strength with armed 
rebels. Having smothered the fire in the rear they could meet 
with more courage and hope the fire in the front. In making 
this record there is no design, however, to reflect upon that class 
of persons who looked upon the participation of the Eighteenth 
in the election, under the circumstances, with evident disfavor if 
not with alarm. The act was severely criticised in their favorite 
journals, called impolitic, undemocratic, misuse of political power, 
squandering the public money, and the soldiers were alluded to 
as Lincoln's hirelings. Allowing for honest differences of opin- 
ion, and for somethings that were dishonest, it must be admitted 
that the end secured by this action of the government was dis- 
couraging the Rebellion and hence justifiable as a war measure 
in strengthening the hands of the civil and military power of the 
country. It was strictly an act of self-defense, the State at that 
time not permitting its soldiers to vote in the fields and hence 
was perfectly justifiable. The enemies of the government under- 
stood its significance and effect, and hence their opposition. 
Looking at the measure from a present stand-point all true 
friends of the Union will acknowledge its wisdom and necessity. 
They can afford to be generous toward those who oppo.sed it, and 
with "Charity for all, and malice toward none, pursue the right as 
God shall give them the sight to see." 

Wednesday, April 6th, was another day of intense interest and 
excitement to the Eighteenth, The early railroad trains from 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 20^ 



every point were freii^hteJ with soldiers and their friends oa 
their way to Norwich. 

At two o'clock P. M. the Eighteenth stood once more in line 
waiting for the order to march. The city was crowded with 
people from the country, and the cit)' turned out once more to 
crive the Eighteenth another farewell. The Wauregan presented 
a lively scene. On the balcony appeared Governor Buckingham, 
Col. Ely and prominent citizens. The presence of the Governor, 
and of Col. Ely, who had just been released from Libby prison, 
was warmly greeted and their words of interest and welcome were 
highly applauded. 

After this review the regiment marched about the citv until 
about three P. M. when it halted near the old railroad bridge, and 
near the wharf, where a steamboat was in waiting to convey the 
men to New York on their return to the seat of war. Here friends 
flocked around to tender tearful farewells, and good wishes for a 
speedy and final return. 

It was a source of sorrow and r(;gret to the friends of the regi- 
ment that anything should occur to mar the tender interest of the 
occasion. .Some persons took it upon themselves to "treat" a few of 
their frie'nds in the regiment, who drank to excess, and created con- 
siderable disturbance while the regiment was in the act of going 
on board the steamboat. However, at four o'clock P. M. lines were 
cast off, the boat swung around into the stream, while the 
air was filled with cheers from the boys and the crowds of 
people upon the wharves, and the Eighteenth was oft again for 
the war. It was a solemn moment. Many had exchanged the 
"last farewells on earth." As long as the boat was in view 
crowds stood on the shores gazing with swimming eyes, while the 
sun-browned men, with sad, lingering looks crowded the upper 
deck of the boat, their hearts swelling with sorrcnv at the painful 
parting. Home never appeared more sweet and precious than 
at that hour. When the evening shadows fell that night dear 
old Connecticut was hid from the eyes of an anxious company of 



204 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



men, and from some of them forever. After the fatiyiie and ex- 
citement of the day rest and sleep were very welcome. The boat 
made a fine run through the sound, and at seven o'clock next morn- 
ing she touched at Jersey City. At half-past eight o'clock the 
train was on the move, bearing the Eighteenth on toward the city 
of "brotherly love," where it arrived about noon. In Philadelphia 
refreshments were furnished at the Cooper I'ielief A-esociation. 
"We never had a better dinner," was the comment of all. The 
day was very fine. Good air and fasting brought an excellent 
appetite. Left Philadelphia at five P. M. and reached Haltmiore 
at one o'clock A. M. P'riday. At daylight marched through the 
city to the Washington depot. Remained in Baltimore until 
Saturday at half-past ten o'clock A. M. It was said that the 
waiting was on account of the lack of cars for transportation. It 
was a tedious hinderance. "Got off" at last on Saturday about 
eleven A. M. in a terrible rain storm, which increased all day and 
the following night. Arrived at Sandy Hook at nine P. M. The 
storm was so violent that the regiment remained in their "boxes" all 
ni<jht. It was a sure sign of proximity to rebeldom when soldiers 
were compelled to ride in box or cattle cars without straw or 
anything to make a comfortable bed. The railroads made enough 
out of the government to have furnished better accommodations 
for transportation; and if it was impossible to furnish passenger 
cars their cattle-pens might have been more endurable. Sundaji' 
morning, April 9th, the regiment arrived at Harper's Ferry, 
marched up to their old camp on Bolivar Heights and found it 
occupied by the Thirty-P"ourth Massachusetts Volunteers. Were 
quartered in old government buildings through the day and fol- 
lowing night. N^ext day put tents on the south side of (jr in 
front of the Lockwood House. A fine place for a camp in pleasant 
weather, but in rain was dangerously sljppery in the streets. 
The Loekwood House was used for headquarters. The largest 
east room was assigned to the chaplain for a reading and writing 
room, and for public worship. The Christian Commission, as 




Lieut. ADAM H. LINDSAY. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 205 

usual, furnished the regiment with writing material, papers, sing- 
ing books, testaments and "comfort bags." Every soldier will 
know what "comfort bags" or housewives were, and the mere al- 
lusion to them will awaken many pleasing recollections of their 
camp and hospital experiences. These were made of different 
material and tilled with a variety of useful articles indispensable 
to the comfort of the soldiers. Hence their name was very ap- 
propriate, their contents being adapted to keep alive pleasant 
and loving thoughts of "home, sweet home." It was said that 
these domestic reticules were prepared by little Northern and 
Western girls. Whoever suggested the idea conferred a great 
favor upon every soldier who received one of these comforts. 
The recipient, on opening his bag, would be filled w ith ine.xpress- 
ible delight to find a needle case and pin-cushion well filled; also 
thread, woolen yarn, wa.x, a thimble and combs, and in some a 
letter full of kind words, with the request that the recipient would 
send a reply in due time, it was afterward found that some 
pretty large girls had a hand in writing a few of these letters, 
which resulted in a correspondence of life-long interest to the 
parties concerned therein. Most of these letters of course 
came from little girls who had fathers and brothers perh.ips in 
the army, or who, if they had none, wanted to do somethinu- 
for the comfort of those who had. It was a common thing for 
the soldiers to visit their chaplains and show some of the letters 
received from difterent parts of the country. One of these was 
too good to be read merely by the one receiving it. It was sent 
to one f)f the home papers and was read by thousands of people, 
and others were therelj) incited to go and do likewise. It be- 
longs to the history of the Eighteenth, and if the soldier who 
received it is now living, he will read it in this connection with 
new and tender interest. 

Hoi LiDAVSBUiu;, Fa., January i6th, 1864. 
Dear Soldier. — I know not who you are, yet it is enough for 
to me know that you are fighting in. the cause of ou^r now bleed- 



2o6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



ing country, and be assured that )ou are often thought of and 
prayed for by the good people at home I am a little girl — a 
Sabbath school scholar. On last Sunda) our superintendent 
said that our soldiers stood in need nt "housewifes," and at once 
little brains and fingers were active in planning and working for 
your comfort. 1 attend the Lutheran Sunday school. It mat- 
ters but little what church we belong to here on earth, only so 
that we are g^ood Christians, and are members of the church on 
high. If you have an)' little girls at home I hope you love them, 
and often pray for them. And I have no doubt they often pray 
for your safety, and if you are not a Christian that you may be- 
come one. (), dear st)ldier, love Jesus Christ, and then if you 
should fall in battle God will take you home where there shall be 
no more fighting, suffering, parting or death. I hope before long 
this unfortunate war will be over, and our dear country once 
more united and hapjjy, and all you soldiers permitted to return 
home to your dear families, and the rebels taught a lesson that 
may be alarming to them so long as the world stands. Fight on, 
brave soldiers, and ma)' God protect you all from danger. I hope 
this "housewife" may prove of much comfort to you. Write to 
me and let me know if you love jesus, the sinner's friend. 

LmiisE .S. Leisering. 
Our location was very pleasant, the scenery in every direction 
being the finest in all Maryland and Virginia. To an admirer of 
natural phenomena, the whole view from Bolivar presents a sub- 
ject for profound study and thought. At the right flows the 
beautiful Shenandoah, ranging along the Blue Ridge for one hun- 
dred miles, and forming a junction with the Potomac, with Lou- 
don Heights frowning on the one side, and Maryland Heights 
looking down with awful grandeur on the other. IJirectly in 
front, and through the cleft of the rocks, there is a fine opening, 
revealing a variety of scenery, grand and beautiful. The Potomac 
Hows on with increased volume and powf-r, with here and there 
terrible precipices hanging in fragments over it, as at Sandy 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 207 



Hook and Point of Rucks, and then in the distance appear the 
blue horizon and patches of plain country, inviting one from the 
riot and tumult roaring around to participate in the quiet belo'v. 
The view to the left of Bolivar, along side, and on both banks of 
the Potomac, is grand and imposing, impressing one with the 
truth of Jefferson's declaration, in his "Notes on V^irginia," that 
this whole scene "is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.'" Every 
day's observation reveals some new -object to interest and won- 
der. The subterranean passage, supposed to lead across Bolivar 
at a point nearly a mile wide, between the Potomac and the 
Shenandoah; the "table rock," weighing many tons, with a nearly 
fiat surface, containing perhaps one hundred square feet; the old 
engine house near the jtmction, and the house up the Potomac 
in Maryland side, both of "Old John Brown" notoriety; and not 
least, the natural scenery of Maryland Heights and the military 
defenses of the place, were a few of the many objects of interest 
and thought to Yankee soldiers. The officers and privates of the 
Eighteenth were very busy when not on duty in e.\amining these 
several places of natural beauty and sublimity, and were well paid 
for their difficult and fatiguing excursions. The more an intelli- 
gent soldier studied his surroundings in such a place the more 
he admired his countr)-, antl the more he felt that these grand old 
mountains, beautiful rivers and rich valleys were worth fighting 
for to save them from the power of a Confederacy that would 
wrest them from the domain of the Union. The sight of such 
grandeur gave a fresh inspiration to the cause of freedom. To the 
"tramj), tramp" of men ktx-ping step to the music of the Union, 
the mountains of the old dominion echoed: 

"From e\ f ry mountain side 
Let trccdon ring." 
They re-echoed the language of the prophet of God: "Let every 
yoke be broken and the oppressed go free," and they were witness- 
ing the glorious fulfillment. There rang out on every breeze, 
from rocks and rills, from woods and templed hills, 

".Swett freedom's song." 



2oS EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The "table rock" was often visited, as it was but a few rods 
from the camp of the Eighteenth. The citizens had wondertul 
stories about this rock. One was that in '-ve olden time" a dis- 
tinguished couple in the first families in V'irginia celebrated their 
nviptials on the rock; and it was said that while Jefferson was pre- 
paring his "Notes on Virginia" he visited this rock and sat upon it 
while he sketched his notes of the place and its surroundings. 
There was an ancient burying place near by often frequented for 
the purpose of reading the curious epitaphs there found. On the 
whole it was hardly possible for the E{ighteenth to spend the 
same number of days in any one place so well calculated to 
gratify a taste for things curious, good and beautiful as in this. 
And the regiment as a whole enjoyed and expressed its delight 
with the situation. 

The latter part of the mo^itl; of April was spent in preparing 
for the spring campaign. It was the general impression that an 
early movement would be made up the valley, and that the 
Eighteenth would participate. .Accordingly Maj. Peale and Ad- 
jutant Culver were very busy in work of preparation. Company 
I, under the command of Eieut. Lillcy, had been sent to Falling 
Waters, on the Potomac, to guard that point against the incursions 
of scouting bands of the enemy; and on the evening of the 26th 
of April Maj. Peale received orders to move early the next day 
with the remaining nine companies. Consequently on the morn- 
ing of the 27th the Eighteenth started on the road to Martins- 
burg. The day was cloudy and chilly, and the road rough and 
hilly for the first few miles, and hence progress was slow and dif- 
ficult. However, it was a change, and on the whole the day's 
march was a lively and pleasant one. At noon the "raw recruits" 
were quite amused at the novelty of eating their rations for the 
first time by the road-side. It did not take them long, however, 
to become initiated into the process of making coffee, and break- 
ing and splitting rails to make fires for culinary purposes. Of 
course rations relished well with "minute coffee" to men who 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 209 



were as hungry as bears. At nightfall the regiment had 
marched twelve or fourteen miles, two-thirds of the distance from 
the Ferry to Martinsburg. In the mean time the clouds had 
passed off and it was clear and cold. Camped for the night in a 
beautiful wood-lot at the right of the road near the house of Dr. 
Magruder. The doctor and his wife professed to be friendly to 
the Union cause, while their two daughters gave unmistakable 
signs of being in syinpathy with Jeff Davis, whom they thought 
to be a very fine man. and a "heap smarter than Abe Lin- 
coln." However, several of the officers were "kept over night." 
and furnished with good beds, supper and breakfast free of 
charge. The evening was spent in pleasant conversation on 
national affairs, Yanke*. and Southern phrases, and in singing. 
The young ladies played on the piano and sang finely, and 
among others sang a few national and "secesh" songs with rtne 
effect. Their guests left early the ne.xt morning expressing many 
thanks for their pleasant and hospitable entertainment, and prom- 
ising to repeat the visit at the earliest date possible. Of course 
acceptance of such comfortable quarters, while most of the rank 
and file lay out of doors shivering in their blankets, was not very 
soldierly and perhaps a little selfish; however, the act was thought 
to be pardonable as .Surgeon Harrington was luarl) an invalid 
and the new chaplain had not become acclimated or accustomed 
to "slee])ing out." .\rrived in Martinsburg about ten o'clock 
A. M. on the j8th, and went into camp on the east side of the 
town. Here it was ascertained that the Eighteenth was to join 
the force; which Cieii. Sigel had been collecting at this point for 
a forward movement up the Shenandoah Valley. The day was 
full of care and work, both on the part of the officers and men. 
From every point came news of startling interest. It was evi- 
dent that the campaign of 1864 would be earnest and decisive. 
The enemy everywhere was as deliant and jjersisteiU in appear- 
ance as ever; Cien. Bank's ill success in Texas antl some reverses 
to the Union tr«pp=iat other poiuts having- raised' the expecta- 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



tions of the rebels, an J their papers were full of exaggerated state- 
ments of what Gen. Lee and other rebel commanders would ac- 
complish toward the ultimate defeat of the plans of Gen. Grant. 
A united and simultaneous forward movement was expected. The 
enemy was to be engaged at t-very point to prevent reinforce- 
ments being sent to Lee at Richmond, or Johnson in Tennessee. 
Gen. Sigel was to approach Richmond in the rear, and detach a 
portion of Lee's army from the defense of that stronghold of the 
enemy. The magnitude of this plan was not fully estimated on 
account of the small force at Sigel's command. Up to this time 
it had not been generally known that another advance was to be 
made toward Richmond by the way of the valley, and many of 
the men, remembering their unpleasant experiences of the pre- 
vious year in that direction, were not so jubilant and contident as 
they would have been ur.der other circumstances. It seemed to 
them next to madness to ihink of sending a force of only ten 
thousand men, all told, into a hostile countrv, with every advan- 
tage in favor of the rebels, and where at almost any point a force 
twice or three times as large as their own could be thrown against 
them, and that too when they were a long way from their base 
of supplies and reinforcements. Before leaving Martinsburg 
the general conviction, among those who were acquainted with 
previous valley movements, was that Sigel's force was altogether 
too small for the purposes intended, and the campaign at the 
start was considered extremely difticult and uncertain. The re- 
mark was often made: "We want at least lift)- thousand men for 
such a campaign. What can Gen. Grant be thinking of to send 
such a little handful of men on such a hazardous expedition.''" Most 
writers on the late civil war have been pleased to speak of the 
movements of Sigel and Hunter as "miserable failures," as 
though the blame of not accomplishing all that was intended was 
to be ascribed entirely to their want of tact or bravery. Now 
all such statements show either culpable ignorance or unpardon- 
able spite on the;, part of the writers. The valky campaign of 



COK'NECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 211 

1864 was not a miserable failure, but on the other hand, consider- 
ing all the circumstances, the difficulties encountered, and the in- 
adequate means to counteract them, the results were all and 
more than those best acquainted with previous valley operations 
anticipated, as the sequel will abundantly prove. The writer well 
remembers a conversation about this time which indicates that 
at the start the expectation of great success was not indulged 
generally either by officers or privates. 

"Well, what is it now ?" "On to Richmond," was the reply. "Re- 
member Winchester," said another. "We shan't get farther than 
Fisher's Hill," remarked another, "for a thousand men at that 
point will stop our whole force." But another more hopeful said: 
"Boys, I want you to remember that we are going to fight mit 
Sigel." Others thought that it was quite as important to have 
an adetpiate force as to numbers, as to have a competent leader. 
However, the work of preparation went on, and every one seemed 
inclined to make the best of the situation. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER X. 



UN TO RICflMOND. 



F"riday, April ^Sth, were early on the movf. joined Gen. 
Sicrel's division for a raid iiji the Shenandoah X'alley; or as one 
facetious!)' remarks: "To march on Richmonil with six or eioht 
thousand men and attack Lee in the rear, while the army of the 
Potomac, two hundred thous.md strong;, helil him in check in front." 
Mai- Peale and AtljutanL Culver were early in the saddle and 
prom[)tly movc^d the I'^iL^hteenth to the ri>;'ht of the lirst brigade. 
The nimiher of men in line, .about hve hundred, were well armed 
and ecjuipped, withaf(-w executions. Company A was commanded 
by Orderly Kerr, who took the right of the regiment. He was a 
prompt, energetic officer, of Scotch blood, and ready for any move- 
ment. .Sergeant Murray commandetl Company P', which came next 
in order, and was prompt ,uul efficient. Cajjt. Joseph Matthewson 
led Company I), the largest in the regiment, and well com- 
manded. Company I was absent, as before stated, at Falling 
Waters, under the command of Lieut. Lilh^y, a good officer. 
Company C, color bearers, was commanded by Lieut. Hinckley. 
The lieutenant was not (juite so finely attired as some others of 
the line, but no officer took more pride in his command than he, 
and the commanding officer had no occasion to be ashamed of 
his men. Company H was in charge of William Caruthers, 
an efficicmt officer. The other companies were equally well 
commanded, including Company B on the left, under command 



LX)X.\7;C TICU r l VL UXTEERS. 2 j x 



of Capt. Spaiildini;, who liad no sii|n"rior. The I'^i^hteentli was 
eiiil)arkint4 on a loni; and (hniLji-rons cxiH-dilion with only a few 
ofticers, l)ut who, il is only just to sa)\ were rdialilr and faithful. 
The ([uartermastfT's antl cominissai"\ 's d(:|iartmcnts were well 
mannc^d — Lieut. N. V. Johnson in tlu; lonner, and Timothy 
Parker, Company A, in the latter. There was i^nx-at excitement 
when the regiment marched through Martinsburg on that 
memorable Friday morning. The citizens, including the blacks, 
crowded the sidewalks and cheered heartily, while many ladies 
waved their handkerchiefs from thct windows of their houses. A 
large number of citizens ran out into the streets to bid their sol- 
dier acquaintances adieu, and man\ a "God bless you !" came 
from the lips of true and loyal men. These friendly reo-ards were 
appreciated and met a hearty response from the boys, who re- 
turned the cheers ol their friends with a will. If the writer's 
memnr)' is not at fault a few ol the men stole out of the ranks 
to pa) their compliments antl biil more delicate adieus to fair 
friends, who greeted them with smiles of recognition and ap- 
proltation. The day was lovel\-. 'The sun shone in a cloudless 
sky. the air was mild, genial and e.vhilarating, and the scene one 
not soon to be forgotten. As tlu' troops went marching on in 
such e.xcellent spirits, everybody seemed pleased and hopeful, 
and yet there were deep regrets at parting with warm friends 
and the sad thought would press into the mind, "When shall we 
meet again." The T^ighteenth had formed many warm attach- 
ments the previous wint(M- in Martinsburg, and the partini^ was 
a sorrowful one. Just in the edge of the town halted for a short 
time to let a botl) ol cavalr) pass, who, moreover, created a little 
confusion by their tardy mo\ ement; and then after a mile or two 
away halted again in a tine field of grass or clover, in which the 
horses seemed cpiite willing to tarry. While here an incident 
occurred on the opposite side of the road more amusino- to the 
bystanders than profitable to one of the parties more immediately 
concerned. It seemed that a cavalryman was bent on swappin>-> 



214 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



horses with a farmer of rehel procHvities, or at least on capturing 
it. This man was well known to Union scouting parties and had 
become obnoxious to tiiem. Both the man and his wife ran into 
the lot to thwart the cavalryman's design, and for a time there 
was a spirited race to decide which should have the horse. As 
the line moved on the contest was not decided, though the 
cavalryman seemed bound to win. If he was successful it is prob- 
able that he consoled the old people with a "promise to pay" at 
some future day. Marched only about eleven miles the first day, 
arriving at liunker Hill about sundown, and camped near a 
"run." Found the macadamized road a hard way to travel, and a 
march of eleven miles far enough for one day. Spent two nights 
at this place, for what purpose the commanding general was not 
questioned. The time was occupied in viewing the town, which 
consisted of two or three old dilapidated houses and a sort of a 
mill. The Massachusetts boys, of the ThirtyT^^ourth Regiment, in 
the second brigade, hatl a fine opportunity to compare this F. 
F. V.'s Bunker Hill with a place of the same name in their 
own State. The puns and jokes on the Southern Bunker Hill 
were numerous and ingenious. The "first families" in Virginia 
might give Northern names to their lands and towns, still the 
opinion was that it would be some time before they could com- 
pete with the "mud-sills of the North" in building houses of re- 
spectable appearance. May 1st, Sunday, marched to Winchester, 
halting at noon at the old battle-ground near Summit Point, and 
remaining about an hour. In the mean time visited the grounds 
where the Eighteenth made its gallant fight the year before. Of 
course the boys were very much interested in recalling the scenes 
of that occasion, and pointing out the places where its most 
thrilling incidents occurred. "Here is where the brave Adjutant 
Porter fell and was buried; also, privates Noyes, Woodmancy, 
McCracken, Baldwin, Burnett, Dilliber, Tracy and others, who 
fell in death on that eventful day, June 15th, 1863," reflected one. 
"Capt. Bates was wounded here, Capt. Bowcn there," and 




Lieut. JOHN T. MAGIKNIS. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 215 



various localities were pointed out where different soldiers fell or 
distinguished themselves. It was exceedingly interesting to visit 
these grounds — the place where the last charge was made, where 
there were hair-breadth escapes, the place of the surrender, and 
to recall reminiscences of fallen comrades. Every spot seemed 
full of tender recollections of the past. It was holy ground, be- 
cause of the blo(^d of brothers shed there. The march through 
Winchester was peculiarly exciting. There was quite: a contrast 
between their present circumstances and the day when they 
marched through the places as prisoners of war subject to rebel 
ridicule and insult. Now they came as victors^ tlaunting the 
beautiful flag, which was both the scorn and terror of the traitors 
of the Shenandoah Valley, in .the faces of their former contem- 
ners and revilers. The white citizens crowded round, many of 
them looking cold and reserved, and at only one or two points 
was the Union tlag displayed, or cheers given for the Union 
army. The colored people, on the other hand, seemed greatly 
delighted to see the Yankees once more, and gave signilicant 
looks and signs to each other as the army moved on through the 
town. Camped that night about two miles away, near the 
junction of the .Strasburg and Front Royal roads. This was a 
part of the old battle-ground of the Eighteenth and the One 
Hundred and Twenty-Third Ohio Volunteers the year before. 
The latter was now camped near by, and was reviewing the 
ground in search of the graves of their fallen comrades. The 
body of one was found to be only partially buried, within a tew 
rods of the Eighteenth's encampment, and the compaii)- to which 
he belonged gathered in the twilight to give their brother a de- 
cent soldier's burial; the chaplain of the Eighteenth officiating, 
his tent being within twd or three rods of the grave. It was a 
solemn and impressive occasion. Contrary to all e.Kpectation 
we remained here eight or nine da\s, waiting it was said for 
wagons and supplies. Nothing ot spi-cial interest occurred. The 
troops were drilled, inspected and reviewed nearly every day; 



2i6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



and a i^^eneral review took place on the 1 8th of May by Gen. 
Sigel and his staff, and the army was then ready to move farther 
up the valley. It was the fault of some one that it was not ready 
before. Gen. .Sigel was called slow. 

The week in camp at Winchester passed very quickly. The 
last day was Sunday. May 8th, a beautiful day, more than usually 
quiet for a soldier's life. It was understood the army was to 
move early the ne.\t morning; just at sunset the chaplain of the 
Eighteenth held a religious service on tin- brow of a hill in rear 
of the Eighteenth's camp, a large number being present from 
other regiments. The stillness of the evening hour was broken 
only by the voice of song by hundreds of voices, and then fol- 
lowed the utterances of heartfelt prayer and exhortation. The 
most earnest attention was given, and many a soldier united in 
the public worship of the Father of all for the last time. The 
evening of that day was unusually quiet and solemn. Many a 
farewell was written in the last hours of that .Sabbath to loved 
ones at home. On Monday morning the armv moved slowly 
away, the Eighteenth occupying the same position as before. 
There was much interest manifested in this march. The boys 
who had passed over this road, through Newtown, Middletown 
and Cedar Creek, pointed out to their comrades places where 
interesting incidents occurred when they marched as prisoners of 
war. One thing, of special note, was the great change in the de- 
portment of the citizens. The people who met these soldiers 
the year before with taunts and threats, were now very quiet and 
undemonstrative. In fact there seem(xl to be fewer people in all 
the places which were passed. The men had either been forced 
into the rel)el army or h.id run awa\ in the mountains, and the 
women wer<- not fdud of sliowing thrmsclvcs to the iialed Yan- 
kees. OnI\- lew looked onl ol their doors and wintlows unless it 
was to answer tile loud calls of some ol llie hoys for water, milk 
or bre.'id. ;\t night canipid \(t\- near Cedar Creek, sonic fording 
the ■'•.tream and othep; li\ a temporarj' bridge, a^ the rrbelv. had" 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 217 

destroyed the old one in order to delay Sigel's progress. Passed 
through Strasburgh, the most squalid looking town yet. As at 
Newtown the people kept out of sight, not seeming to relish the 
presence of Yankees with muskets in their hands so much 
as they did when passing that way without arms. Soon 
Fisher's Hill, universally dreaded before the march began, came 
in full view. This place, of such formidable natural defense, 
was thoroughly scanned and the opinion freely expressed that the 
rebels were unwise in not giving Sigel battle at this point where 
every advantage was in their favor. Passing over the hill halted 
for an hour for rations and rest. Marched about twenty-five miles 
that day, camping at night at Woodstock. Arrived in the midst 
of a heavy shower and camped in a wheat field. This field was 
fenced on three sides by a board fence, not one of which was 
standing in five minutes after stacking arms. Each man was 
anxious to have a board tloor to sleep on that night instead of 
the mud of that wheat field, and one could not blame them. On 
the whole everybody was made quite comfortable for the night. 
Remained here for two or three days and it was the general re- 
mark that Sigel did not seem much in a hurry. The small town 
of Woodstock was visited by many of the men and officers. The 
name sounded home-like to that portion of the Eighteenth en- 
listed from Windham Couniy, but the place itself bore no com- 
parison with the Woodstock of the little nutmeg State. Saturday, 
May 14th, the Eighteenth, with one battery, was ordered to ad- 
vance on Edinburgto the support of Col. Moore, of the Twenty- 
Eighth Ohio, who had been out to look for the enemy in the 
direction of New Market. Toward night there was sharp skir- 
mishing in front, sl'iowing that Col. Moore had been successful in 
his search. The firing was rapid for a while and the enemy re- 
treated. In the mean time Maj. Peale was in readiness to move 
at a moment's warning. He took a few prisoners at this point, 
one of whom was a rebel captain, who was quite reticent and dis- 
posed to keep his own counsels. He warned the major, however, 



2 1 8 EIGHTEEN TH REGIMENT 



that his force could not go much farther without encountering 
hot resistance. He seemed to have obtained in some way quite 
an exact statement of the number of the Union forces, and the 
object of their movements, and was certain that our small force 
would be driven back in a day or two, if not entirely out of the 
valley. The regiment's camp was about one mile south of the 
town on a commanding position, and in easy supporting distance 
of the battery mentioned above. F"ound the people here of 
very strong rebel sentiment, who seemed to share the rebel 
captain's convictions that the Yankees would "tind their match" 
before going much farther. It was evident there would soon be 
more lively times than had been encountered. They came 
sooner than Gen. Sigel e.xpected, if one might judge by the dis- 
position of his forces, for on that night his main force was 
twenty miles in the rear of his advance — a great mistake or a 
serious accident. During the night Maj. Peale received an order 
to move in great haste to the support of the Twenty-Eighth Ohio, 
Col. Moore, that regiment being threatened by a greatly superior 
force. Accordingly by daylight the Eighteenth was on the march 
and advancing as rapidly as possible toward the threatened 
danger. 

The following is the official account of that day's operations 
which we insert entire: — 

Headi,)Uakters Eighteenth Regiment Conn. Volunteers, ( 
C.vMr near Strasburg, Va., May 21st, 1864. ( 
Brigadier General Horace J. Morse. 

Adjutant General State oe Connecticut, 

Hartford, Conn. 
General: — I have the honor to represent that at three o'clock 
on the morning of May 15th the Eighteenth Connecticut Volun- 
teers, then on picket one mile south f)f Edinburg, Va., and six 
miles in advance of the main army under .Sigel, received orders 
to proceed without delay to New Market, Va., at which place a 
cavalry fight had occurred the previous day, and which was then 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 219 



held by our cavalry and a small body of infantry, who were 
seriously threatened by the enemy. The regiment, consisting of 
seven companies, Companies F, 1 and K having been detailed 
under Capt. J. H. Morrison, Company I at signal station, marched 
without breakfast, and in a drenching storm, reached our ad- 
vanced forces about eleven o'clock A. M., the distance thus 
traveled was fifteen miles. At this moment the artillery 
discovered the position and designs of the enemy and com- 
menced operations. The regiment was ordered to assist in the 
support of a batter). The position of our forces was on a hill 
northwest of New Market, and distant from the town half a mile. 
The enemy soon replied to our batteries from a wooded eminence 
three-fourths of a mile south, and slightly commanding our po- 
sition. After an hour's cannonading the regiment was ordered to 
advance, and with One Hundred and Twenty-Third Ohio and 
First Virginia regiments in support of Snow's Maryland battery, 
formed line immediately upon the brow of the hill, and the Eigh- 
teenth constituting the right. 

VVe here awaited the approach of the enemy, whose skirmishers 
in double line could be seen issuing from the woods covering his 
position. The artillery duel still continued with considerable 
vigor, and the enemj' sht^lk^d our line with great accuracy, al- 
though without inflicting any considerable damage. Companies 
A and B were immediately deployed, and descended the hill. 
Severe skirmishing shortly ensued, our companies retiring very 
slowly. At this time Capt. William L. Spaulding, Company B, 
was mortally wounded in the abdomen and carried to the rear. 

The enemy, in three strong lines, now issued from the woods 
and charged down the hill at double quick, his skirmishers also 
increasing their step and driving ours more rapidly. 

It was at this time decided that a small knoll, some two hun- 
dred yards to the rear, would afford a better position, especially 
for the artillery, which could thereby inflict greater damage upon 
the enemy, who would be forced to pass over an eighth of a mile 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



of nearly level ground before reaching our lines. The line ac- 
cordingly marched in retreat. The new position of the regiment 
was most unfortunate for its efirtciency, being in a lane backed by 
barns and two rows of fence. A continous rain of five days had 
rendered traveling on other than the roads extremely difficult, 
and the men stood knee deep in mud. As the lane was entered 
by the flank, so nothing but a flank movement could extricate the 
regiment in order. Companies A and B were now strengthened 
bv Company D, leaving on!;,' four companies in line, in all some- 
what less than two hundred men. 

Thr skirmishers of the enemy now appeared on the brow of 
the hill, and rapid firing ensued, in which Capt. J. Matthcwson, 
Company D, was wounded, as also several men of his company. 
As our skirmishers retired around our flank, the line fired several 
volleys, when it being apparent that the line of the enemy greatly 
outnumbered our own, and that further stay in that position was 
worse than useless, the commanders of regiments of left brigade 
gave the order to retreat, which movement was followed by the 
Eighteenth. The regiment, marching by the flank at a double 
quick, on emerging from the lane found itself some distance in 
rear of the retreating line, and was thereby thrown into some 
confusion, but with some exceptions the men were rallied, and 
were reformed with the rest of the first line in rear of the second 
line which now awaited the shock. The cannonading was at this 
time extremely rapid, the rebels shelling our position with great 
accuracy, while the batteries of our first and second lines poured 
grape and canister into their infantry, which came on in a splendid 
line. As they drew near, our second line fired and charged, 
partially checking their advance, but having suffered severely 
was forced to retire. For the same reason the enemy contented 
himself with sending forward strong lines of skirmishers to harass 
our now retreating force, himself advancing very slowly. 

Desultory fighting was continued for three hours by our first 
and second lines alternately, when two fresh regiments arriving, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEER^;. 221 

the broken forces were assembled in rear of them, and marched 
on the pike to the north bank of the Shenandoah, whence it con- 
tinued to march until within two miles of Woodstock, where it 
halted at five o'clock A. M., having marched nearlv thirty-five 
miles in twenty-six hours, in addition to the march incident to its 
participation in the action. 

The whole number engaged in the action was somewhat less 
than three hundred and fifty men. I am happy to bear testimony 
to the good conduct of the few officers of the regiment present 
for duty and to the efficient aid rendered by them throughout 
the action. 

The death of Capt. S^i. adding is sincerely regretted by us all. 
He was a good officer, and stood firm in the brave performance 
of duty. 

I am, sir, most respectfiilly, your obedient servant, 

Henry Peale, 
Maj. commanding Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. 

It is beyond question that the Eighteenth did all that could be 
expected of it, under the circumstances, and the number of 
the killed and wounded shows that the regiment were not a little 
exposed to the fire of the enemy, losing about one-fifth of their 
number in killed, wounded and missing. The regiment went into 
the battle exhausted by a forced march of fifteen miles, a part of 
the way in a pouring rain, and in want of food. True, hard tack 
was issued to the men just as they arrived at the scene of action, 
but before they had finished their coffee they were ordered into 
line of battle in the woods and marched thence in line until or- 
dered to halt. When the enemy came in view the situation was 
appalling. The Union line consisted of only about one thousand 
two hundred men, all told, while the enemy numbered seven thou- 
sand men, advancing in three compact lines of battle. "Notwith- 
standing the great odds, the Union line fired several volleys," says 
Adjutant E. B. Culver, "when finding further continuance in that 
position worse than useless, the commanders of recriments on 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



left of brigade gave the order to retreat, a movement which was 
followed by the Eighteenth, which finding itself some distance in 
the rear of the retreating line was thereby thrown into slight 
confusion; but with few exceptions, the men were rallied and re- 
formed with the rest of the first line in the rear of the second line, 
which now awaited the shock. It was no wonder that there was 
some confusion in the retreat, the ground being in a horrible con- 
dition; the mud so deep from previous rains that it was almost 
impossible to keep in line when no hasty movement was required. 
And to add to the confusion the rain began to pour again in 
torrents, greatly retarding the progress of the army. But for 
three hours the fighting was kept up, and at length two fresh 
regiments arriving, the enemy was checked and the whole Union 
force marched slowly in retreat to the north bank of the Shenan- 
doah." One incident the writer well remembers while the Eigh- 
teenth was falling back. At one point the men rallied around 
their Bags, cheering and encouraging one another, and Sergeant 
Hillard, of Company E, cried out to the chaplain as he rode up: 
"Here, chaplain, is the old flag and we will stick to it." Lieut. F. 
G. Bixby, of Company D, coming up at the same time with a 
squad of the boys, extended warm congratulations, and seemed 
not at all disheartened by the disasters of the day. Maj. Peale 
and Adjutant Culver did all in their power to encourage their 
command, and keep up the fight, being themselves severely ex- 
posed to a hot fire from the enemy at several points. The 
bravery of Capt. J. Matthewson, of Compan)' D, isspecially note- 
worthy; he rallied his men on the retreat and charged with a 
portion of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts of the second line, re- 
ceiving a severe wound in the wrist. 

Maj. Peale bears testimony to the good conduct of all his of- 
ficers. The official report shows that some of the best men of 
the Eighteenth were killed or wounded that day. Capt. William 
L. Spaulding, Company B, was wounded in the abdomen early 
in the battle, on the skirmish line. He was brave to a fault, 



CONN EC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



standing up in full view of the sharp shooters and giving orders 
to his men. Members of his company entreated him to take 
better care of himself and not make himself a target for the 
enemy, but he remained at his post and fearlessly gave the word 
of command until he fell, exclaiming "I am shot." He was borne 
at once to the rear, his wound was pronounced mortal by Sur- 
geons Holbrook and Harrington, and he was placed in an ambu- 
lance in care of a comrade and the chaplain. The ambulance 
moved out on the pike to the rear, and was then ordered toward 
Mount Jackson. Rut it had proceeded but a little way before 
Capt. Spaulding expired. He was rational almost to the last, and 
after expressing his trust in the Pather of Mercies, he expressed 
some anxiety about the fate of the day by inquiring: "Chaplain, 
are they driving us?" He was told, "I hope not." They were his 
last words. 

The death of Capt. Spaulding was a great loss to the regiment, 
and caused deep sorrow in his company, among his fellow officers, 
and the regiment generally. After the death of Capt. Spaulding, 
the chaplain returned again toward the front to find the whole 
army in full retreat, though by no means panic-stricken, however. 
The pike was crowded with cavalry, ambulances and broken in- 
fantry, and not a few who were wounded. The wounded in am- 
bulances were being conveyed either to the hospital, an old church 
on the right of the pike, or to Mount Jackson. As the retreat 
continued the former hospital was abandoned, and its inmates 
were sent to the latter place. Most of the wounded of the 
Eighteenth were saved from capture, and before night had 
reached the barracks at Mount Jackson. The main force having 
reached the north side of the Shenandoah the enemy appeared 
to give up the pursuit. Gen. Sigel, however, continued his re- 
treat. About dark nearly all the wounded were placed in ambu- 
lances and the train moved on slowly toward Edinburg, where it 
halted about midnight, waiting for further orders. Corporal 
F. H. Converse, Company D, barely escaped being left, a fate 



224 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



that he avoided only by his own almost superhuman exertions. 
He was severely wounded in the abdomen and forearm, and car- 
ried to Mount Jackson where his wounds were dressed as well as 
was possible under the circumsiances. He was almost the last 
to leave the barracks. The chaplain and Surgeon HarrinL^ton in 
passing through the barracks after nearly all the wounded had 
been removed, found Converse and assured him that he would 
be sent for soon, while they passsed into other rooms to see if 
there were others of the Eighteenth still in the barracks. When 
they returned, Converse was missing. In the meantime he 
he had crawled out of his room unassisted to the road side and 
hailed some battery men just passing, who allowed him to get 
upon one of the boxes, and in this way he rode all night and thus 
escaped capture. All were astonished by his cheerful endurance 
and determination not to fall into the hands of the rebels. But 
he suffered terribly, and is yet a sufferer from the terrible wounds 
of that fatal day. The march that night was slow and difficult. 
Camp fires blazed along the way lightning up the country for 
miles around. On reaching Edinburg, a halt was made for 
some time on account of the delay of the ambulance train. The 
officer in charge declared that he had been ordered to lall 
back to this place, and could not move further without special 
orders. While delayed in this manner, the chaplain rode in 
several directions about town to find the headquarters of the 
division. At the same time he came upon several wounded men 
on foot, who had walked all the way from New Market and 
were quite exhausted. Found accommodations in an ambulance 
for them with Moses Streeter, of Company D, as driver, or in 
charge of the wounded. After a tedious delay the train moved 
on again; at sunrise reached Woodstock, and when two miles 
farther on halted for rest and rations. The army needed both. 
For nearly thirty hours the troops had been constantly on the 
move, marching or fighting, and the exertions followed by the 
disasters of the day had produced a woful looking set of men. 




Lie-lit. WILLIAM CARUTHERS. 



CONNECTIQUT VOLUNTEERS. 225 



May 1 6th, continued the retreat through the day, reaching 
Cedar Creek about dark. Camped in tlie woods, sleeping on 
the ground without covering. The men were so much exhausted 
they thought Httle <jf the discomforts of the situation. May 19th, 
passed over the creek about eight o'clock A. M., Company I 
joining the regiment here, also Companies F and K, which had 
been detailed at a signal station. Marched to the old camp 
ground. Found the ambulance train with the wounded here. 
Gen. Sigel visited each ambulance and talked encouragingly to 
the poor fellows, who cheered the General heartily when he told 
them: "Boys, we got a little the worst of it this time, but will fight 
them again." In the afternoon of the same day a squad of men 
were detailed to bury the body of Capt. Spaulding, of Company 
B, with military honors. The service took place under a tall black 
walnut tree about fifty or sixty rods east of the camp, the chaplain 
officiating. It was a sorrowful occasion. Every soldier of the 
Eighteenth sincerely mourned the loss of his brave and fearle-.. 
comrade in arms. He was an officer of great promise. He en- 
tered the service from Eastford, August, 1862, as second lieuten- 
ant in Company D, and soon after was promoted to be first lieuten- 
ant ol the same company. Two years previously he graduated 
at the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., with the highest 
honors. After which he entered the law office of Judge Carpen- 
ter of Danielsonville. He was young, of excellent character, and 
indomitable energy, perseverance and resolution, .•\lthough some- 
what reserved, he made many fast friends. He brought into the 
service all the qualities of an educated gentleman as well as of an 
heroic patriot. With a full knowledge of the dangers of war, he 
deliberately chose what he considered the path of duty, and did 
not murmur when face to face with its tatal consequences. No 
man in the public service loved his country better or suffered 
with more cheerfulness in its behalf than Capt. William L. Spauld- 
ing. The Eighteenth remained at this place nine days. In the 
mean time Gen. Sigel was relieved and Maj. Cien. Hunter took 



226 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



command. An event of more interest to the regiment than this 
occurred at the same time. 

Col. William G. Ely, who had been a prisoner since June 15th, 
1863, returned to his regiment. As he rode into camp on a 
noble black stallion, there was a good deal of stir among the boys, 
who received him with loud cheering and hearty congratulations. 
The colonel made a happy speech which was well received. There 
returned with him Capt. VVorner, of Company G, and Lieuts. I. 
N. Kibbe, of Company G, J. T. McGinnis, Company E, and J. P. 
Rockwell. Capt. Warner, being in poor health, returned to 
Martinsburg, and Lieut. Kibbe was put in command of Company 
B, Lieut. Rockwell of Company G, and Lieut. McGinnis of 
Company E. This reinforcement of officers seemed to inspire 
new confidence. It was not without regrets, however, that the 
regiment parted with Maj. Peale as their commander. For nearly 
a year he had been with them on familiar and friendly terms and 
they had regained in a great measure the drill and discipline that 
distinguished them before the battle of New Market. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 227 



CHAPTER XI. 

hunter's raid BATTLE UF PIEDiMONT. 



We come now to a very important chapter in the history of the 
Eio^hteenth, where Gen. Hunter was ordered to retrieve the losses 
and faihires of Gen. Sigel. Accordingly another movement up 
the valley was ordered and in order to increase the speed and ef- 
ficiency of his army, stringent orders were issued reducing the 
amount of transportation allowed to each regiment two-thirds, 
thus allowing to each regiment one eight-mule team, and direct- 
ing regimental commanders to send to the rear all surplus bag- 
gage belonging to the officers and men in their commands. This 
order left the officers without a "change of linen," and the men 
lost some of their most useful articles of comfort. Such being the 
ca.se no one could doubt but that the regiment was under "light 
marching orders." Fortunate, indeed, for all was it that this 
proved true, for the next thirty days were days that "tried men's 
souls," the darkest days of the war. On May 27th, Hunter's army 
moved early on its way up the valley. Arrived in Woodstock, 
about six o'clock in the evening, and remained there for the 
night. May 29th, marched to near New Market where the army 
rested five days. In the mean time visited the old battle-ground 
in search of the dead. Found that the rebels had very carelessly 
buried the Union dead, while their own had been carried 
to a cemetery a few hundred yards distant and decently buried 
with head and foot-boards, the names of the dead being printed 



2 2 8 EIGH TEE NTH REGIMEN T 



on the head-boards. In the hospital were found several of the 
wounded, among them Hauerwas, of Company C, who had a leg 
amputated. It was thought at the time that he could not survive, 
but he eventually recovered and in due time was taken back into 
the Union lines, and returned to his family in Lebanon. The 
band of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts serenaded the wounded 
while here, and it was affecting to witness the emotions and 
cheers of the poor fellows who had suffered so much from their 
wounds and their enemies. It should be said, however, to the 
praise of the good women in New Market, that many comforts were 
provided for the sick and wounded, even at the risk of their own 
comfort if not their lives. June 2d, on the march again. Passed 
through New Market at an early hour. The citizens kept quiet. 
Those who did show themselves looked angry and threatening. 
The day was extremely hot and the men fell out constantly'. 
Whenever a spring of water was reached they rushed pellmell 
toward it, thus provoking the anger of their officers. Towards 
nicrht, heard firing in front. The advance had overtaken the rebels, 
with whom they were exchanging compliments. Drew near to Har- 
risonburg, a pleasant little town, through which the Union cavalry 
drove the rebels in a panic. Camped near the town for the 
ni^j'ht. Remained here until the morning of June 4th. Found 
a larcre number of rebel sick and wounded in the hospitals, who 
seemed anxious to be paroled, being heartil)- sick of the war. It 
was evident from their youthful appearance that they had not 
been loner in the service. Perhaps they were a part of the home 
guard, and had been forced into the war within a few days to 
impede Hunter's progress. Found none of the Eighteenth 
wounded here, but the adjutant of the Thirty-Fourth Massachu- 
setts, who had been badly wounded in the shoulder at New 
Market. Left Harrisonburg early in the morning, and after 
marchino- a mile or two left the pike and turned off to the 
left over a crooked, rough, hilly road leading toward Port Repub- 
lic. Reached a branch of the Shenandoah early in the afternoon. 



^ CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 229 

A squad of Union cavalry had forded the river and captured a 
rebel foraging party of two or three wagons. The river was so 
deep that it was necessary to lay a pontoon bridge, which caused 
considerable delay. Gen. Hunter suprrintended the work him- 
self and seemed much annoyed at the apparent unnecessary 
delay. While the troops were waiting a number of cavalrymen 
forded the stream, as much for their own amusement as anything. 
Two or three, more courageous than the rest, attempted to cross 
at a new place, where the water was so deep their horses had to 
swim. When about two-thirds of the way across, one of them was 
in some manner unhorsed, and he immediately sank to the bottom 
like lead. Thousands of men were looking on in breathless 
silence and seemed more affected than they would have been to 
see hundreds of their comrades shot down in battle. All possible 
means were used to rescue the unfortunate man. In less than 
two minutes several soldiers stripped themselves and plunged into 
the water, and swimming to the spot began to dive for the 
poor fellow. Again and again this act was repeated by different 
ones, but no trace of the drowned man could be discovered, and 
at last the attempt was given up in despair. About that time the 
pontoon bridge was completed, and the army began to pass over. 
It was late in the afternoon when the Eighteenth marched over, 
and here they sudden 1)- turned to the right, and crossed another 
stream, which had a very rough, stony bed. At last reached the 
main road, when it was quite dark and rain was beginnino- to fall. 
Marched about two miles and camped in a dense wood-lot, the 
underbush being so thick it was impossible to move alono-. At 
length halted for the night with the rain pouring down; but the 
tired men slept soundly, and alas, some had their last natural 
sleep that dreary night. 

June 5th was a memorable day in the history of the Eighteenth 
Connecticut. After a miserable night rose very early and had 
breakfast before sunrise. The boys were unusuall)- thoughtful 
and silent as though startling events were anticipated. The im- 



230 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



pression prevailed that there would be a fight soon, if not on that 
day, and Adjutant E. B. Culver remarked to Col. Peale that he 
was prepared to receive his d< ath wound before the close of the 
day. The regiment moved out of the wood into an open field 
and halted for a half hour. The sun was just rising over the Blue 
Ridge and a heavy mist hung over the Shenandoah, which ran 
tranquilly along at the mountain base. For an hour the weather 
threatened to be unpleasant. In the mean time the Eighteenth 
was ordered back into the woods and marched along single file 
for a considerable distance, the undergrowth befng very thick and 
a serious obstruction. Progress was slow. After a while emerged 
into an opening near the main road which was occupied by the 
artillery and the trains. The infantry were marching on the op- 
posite side of the way. This order of movement indicated that 
Gen. Hunter was suspicious of danger, and was preparing to 
protect his trains from a sudden dash of the enemy's cavalry. 
Had not proceeded fa'r before the Eighteenth was formed in line 
ot battle and marched up to a hill heavily wooded, then filed to 
the right over a very uneven surface, with occassional deep gul- 
lies, almost impassable by mounted men. A short distance fur- 
ther on passed through a large wheat field, formed another line 
of battle, charged into a wood-lot and halted. Here Gen. 
Hunter rode down the line and said a few words to the differ- 
ent regiments. The writer will never forget the deep impres- 
sion the speech of Gen. Hunter made upon the regiment. 
It was the most solemn moment he had witnessed since 
his connection with the service. It gave one to understand 
that there was earnest work to be done, and that too very quickly. 
The regiment was ordered to advance again, but it had not pro- 
ceeded far before rapid firing was heard at the front. The Union 
cavalry had met the enemy in its attempt to check the movements 
of Hunter; charged them furiou.sly and drove them back, taking 
several prisoners, most of whom were wounded and in a pitiable 
plight. Arriving at the place of this encounter found un- 



■CON NEC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



mistakable evidences of an rapid and severe hand to hand fight. 
About a mile in advance was discovered the rebel position. .Al- 
ready the artillery had opened on the Union advance. The 
smoke of their guns was plainly seen, and everything indicated a 
severe and speedy conflict. A nearer approach to the enemy 
showed the great advantages of their position, but the Union 
forces steadily and firmly advanced in line of battle, and presently 
were within range of the enemy's artillery, which kept up a rapid 
fire, though their shot passed over, falling a short distance in the 
rear, filling the air with smoke and dust. The rebel position was 
in the form of a semi-circle as it proved, with a strong line of 
skirmishers in advance, occupying the brow of a hill thickly set 
with timber, near a wheat field. In this position the rebel skir- 
mishers were concealed, their sharp-shooters climbing up into the 
trees, prepared to pick off the Union officers and do as much in- 
jury as possible. Both sides seemed determined to fight it out 
at all hazards. The excitement was becoming general and Gen. 
Hunter, occupying a position in full view, watched the movements 
with intense interest. 

The rebels, as usual, had the advantage of position. The Union 
force was obliged to charge over a long space in an open field, 
under a brisk artillery fire, and then over a run into another open 
field of rising ground, then through a field of wheat on a side hill, 
the brow of which was skirted by a strip of woodland, affording 
a good shelter from the fire of Union guns. Still the Eighteenth, 
which had the right of Hunter's line, pressed on under a severe 
fire of shell and musketry and drove the rebel skirmishers rapidly 
before them. It was a brilliant charge. While nearing the enemy's 
lines the Eighteenth seemed to be more exposed to the enemy's 
fire than any other portion of the line, receiving several volleys 
of musketry which rapidly depleted their ranks, but did not in 
the least check their progress. The rebels did not tarry long 
after reaching the top of the hill, but continued to fall back over 
a space of clearing, about five hundred yards wide, until they 



2 3 2 EIGH TEEN TH REGIMEN T 

reached their main defenses in the edge of another wood-lot. At 
first the Union Hne was for followintr up their seeming advantage, 
when Col. Ely, being mounted, discovered defenses of the enemy 
and cried, halt. It was apparent that the enemy had chosen a 
strong line of defense, and it was necessary to proceed with the 
utmost care and caution. Hence the Union line fell back a few 
rods into the strip of woodland on the brow of the hill from which 
they had just dislodged the enemy. Up to this time the loss of 
the Eighteenth had been considerable. Among others Adjutant 
E. B. Culver fell early in the charge mortally wounded in the 
head while executing a special order of his commander. Private 
J. P. Adams, of Company D, was also killed instantly by a musket 
ball through the head. Several others were severely wounded, 
both in rank and file. Severe skirmishing continued for two 
hours. In the mean time several charges were made upon the 
whole line with severe loss on both sides. Previously, however, 
a German New York brass battery of two guns, twelve pounders, 
was brought up to the left of the Eighteenth, in plain view of the 
rebel works, and it did execution in weakening the enemy's line. 
This battery was brought up at the suggestion of Col. Ely, who 
from his position had a better view of the enemy's position than 
almost any other officer in the line. At the suggestion being made 
to Col. Moore, the brigade commander, that possibly rebels might 
be lying behind some rails which were plainly to be seen, he replied: 
"I tink dere is no rebels dere," but after one or two well directed 
shots, which sent rails and rebels' limbs flying alike into the air, 
he changed his opinion. Every successive shot told with great 
effect, rendering some portions of the rebel position untenable, 
and giving them great trouble. In the mean time, Gen. Hunter 
was preparing to make a general attack from all sides. He sent 
a force by a circuitous route to attack the enemy's rear. In the 
mean time, it was necessary to keep a bold front and the charges 
before referred to were made, in which the Eighteenth suffered 
severely. There was a knoll, or rising ground, about half way 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 233 



between the rebel line and the main position of the Eio;hteenth 
which it was very necessary to hold. This was accomplishe'd by 
the men lyin^ on their faces. It was a terribl)- close, hot place, 
and here the regiment snffered its y;reatest losses. While the 
force in the rear was cominj,' into position there was an interval 
of fearful suspense. The German battery was expecting a charge 
every moment from the line it so much annoyed, and to all it 
appeared exceedingly doubtful what would be the final result. 
But at length the signal was given, the left of the line began to 
cheer, then the right and center moved at once and together 
upon the enemy's works, and carried them in a few moments. 
The musketry firing was awful, while the rebels, perceiving they 
had been out-generaled, broke and ran in great confusion. The 
victory was complete. The flank movement was a great success, 
and seemed to have Ijeen entirely unexpected. Fifteen hundred 
rebels threw down their arms and surrendered at discretion, and 
the dead and wouncfed were lying around in all directions. In 
this sanguinary and successful battle it is but just to say that the 
Eighteenth behaved splendidly, and did a nol)le da) s work for 
their country. In the official report Col. Ely says: "The 
Eighteenth Regiment Coiuiecticut V'olunteers were on the right 
of Gen. Hunter's line of battle. Its colors took the lead in the 
first charge, and lloated dehantly till we triumphed. All the 
color guard were wounded except one, our banner riddled by 
minnie balls and cannon shot, and a loss of one hundred and 
twenty-seven killed and wounded tells our story. Officers and 
men all behaved most gallantly, obeying orders with alacrity, 
even in the thickest of the light." 

When the first charge was made it was a grand sight to see 
the whole line move forward so steadil)- and conliclently. A 
captured rebel said: "We knew you Yankees meant light in the 
morning when we saw you advance without the least hesitancy 
or confusion under our artillery tire." .After the first charge 
through the wheat field, the drum cor|)S was sent to look for the 



,234 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



dead and wounded and they came upon a suspicious looking pile 
of wheat beside a large stump. There was the appearance of a 
bundle of rags, but a closer examination revealed a rebel lieuten- 
ant who had secreted himself behind the stump and covered 
himself as well as he could with the growing wheat. Upon being 
discovered he instantly sprang to his feet, and seemed greatly 
confusetl and ashamed when Judson Gager, of the drum corps, 
commanded him to surrender, and took from him his sword and 
pistol, then marching him off to the hospital. It is unnecessary 
to add that the drum corps was not a little proud of their rebel 
prize. In another part of the field, a wounded rebel was found 
sitting under a tree deeply affected by the kindness of his captors. 
He said: "1 did not expect such kindness as this," and similar ex- 
pressions fell from his dying lips. He said that the rebel Gen. 
"Bill J()nes" told them that morning they might as well die fight- 
ing, for if they surrendered the Yankees would surely kill every 
one of them. Hence the surprise and gratitude of this prisoner 
at his kind treatment by his Northern brethren. The prisoners, 
generally, were agreeably disappointed at the manner of the 
Northern soldiers, and many of them expressed themselves as 
heartily sick of the war. .\\\ e.xceedingly critical time in the 
battle was the period when the Eighteenth held the rising ground 
between the two lines of the opposing forces. Col. Moore, of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Ohio, had suggested they had 
better retreat to the woods or they would be compelled to do so 
by rebel numbers, but Col. Ely and Maj. Peak insisted on hold- 
ing their position, urging that if they did fall back the movement 
would be extremely dangerous and might cause the loss of the 
battle. Both these officers deserve highest credit for their reso- 
lute courage and for the ins[)iration they gave their men at such 
a critical junction. 

At about this time, E. E. Hickford, Company L), color guard, 
was severely wounded and fell, and the "old dag" went to the 
ground; but at the same moment Charles Lynch, Company C 




m>^'MA 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 235 



who had had his 'gv\x\ stock shot off, instantly caught up the ban- 
ner and raised it to its proper position. Suhsfcinenth he ex- 
changed the Hag for a musket antl resumed the fight. 

Soon after the German battery had reached position the reb- 
els raised a black flag with a single star on it, which the Germans 
looked upon as a very fine target. After one shot, which seemed 
to strike near the murderous ensign, it suddenly disappeared and 
was seen no more. A captured rebel said: "If it had not been 
for that "Dutch" battery we should have whipped you." 

At one point of the battle the rebel rifle pits needed reinforce- 
ments, and a rebel officer, riding a fine looking black horse, 
attempted to furnish them. He started with a squad of men, but 
had not proceeded far before^ a well directed shot from the battery 
fell among them and the men fled in every direction. The rebel 
officer, however, was full of the spirit of defiance, as riding out in 
full view, he turned his face toward the Yankees and seemed 
perfectly at ease. But it was not long before he was .seen to fall 
from his horse and there were at least eighteen men in tht: Eight- 
eenth Connecticut who claimed the honor of shooting him. 

A captured rebel said they had no doubt in th(' morning but 
that the Yankees would be driven back and perhaps most of 
them captured. The situation was not favorable for a retreat 
they well knew, and it was this fact that made the Union troops 
fight with such desperation. They knew they must gain a vic- 
tory as defeat would be their ruin. 

Most of the prisoners taken seemed surprised that they were 
treated so kindly by the hated Yankees. Some expressed a wish 
to have no more to do with the war, but others were sullen and 
not inclined to be talkative about the situation, .\mong these 
was a lieutenant colonel, who lay on the ground near the hospit- 
al in sullen mood. He was a fine looking man, and received 
every possible attention. 

Gen. "Bill Jones," who commanded the rebels, was instantly 
killed, having been hit over the eye bj a Minnie-ball. This 



236 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



must have been in the last charue, as the retreating rebels were 
in such haste they could not take his body with them. It was 
found by members of the Eighteenth a ftnv rods from the rebel 
line in the woods. In a few moments every button on his coat 
was cut off for relics. The death of Jones, it was thought, hast- 
ened the defeat and retreat of the rebels. He was a noble 
looking man and no doubt a brave soldier. 

The Union men rouKl not restrain their shouts of jo)- at their 
victory, and the Eighternlh, especiall), were exceedingly jubilant. 
It was their first victory. They had wiped out New Market ef- 
fectually, though not without severe loss. It was both a time 
of joy and sadness, as the official report shows how terri- 
bly the regiment suffered. Nearly one-third of their number 
were amony the killed and wounded, and it is not saying too 
much that these were among the most brave and faithful com- 
rades, whose example was alwa)S inspiriting and encouraging. 

Maj. Peale had been ordered in the morning, about five o'clock, 
with Companies A and K, and two companies of the New York 
Fifth heavy artillery, to follow closely on the track of the cavalry 
sent in advance to ascertain the position of the enemy. These 
companies had to start off before they had breakfasted, and they 
found but little time for eating before the enemy began to feed 
them with shot and shell. The men found more hot work than 
hot coffee that morning. F>ut not a man flinched from duty or 
left his post unless wounded. Compau)' A had many hair- 
breadth escapes, cspeciall)' after the general charge before re- 
ferred to, which drove the rebels from their first position. In 
feeling the left of the enemy's line, to ascertain its strength, there 
was sharp practice on both sides. It was by this movement that 
the rebel position was more hilly discovered and reported by Maj. 
Peale to Col. Moore and Col. Ely. 

A complete record would reveal man\- narrow and wonderful 
escapes from death during the day. 'I hat part of the line occu- 
pied by the Eighteenth was very much exposed from the first, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 237 

the extreme rioht and advance being on the skirmish line, as be- 
fore stated, consisting of Companies A and B, together with two- 
companies of the New York P'ifth heavy artillery, under com- 
mantl of Maj. Peale, who had orders to hold the position taken 
at all hazards. This line was so near the enemy that their 
works were plainly seen, and the orders of the rebel officers at 
times were heard. Some very sharp shooting was done, and 
both sides suffered severely. Col. Ely had his horse shot under 
him, and had a very narrow f-scape himself from death. 

A farm house, about half a mile from the batttle-field, was taken 
possession of for one hospital, and another was selected a mile to 
the rear of this. Ijoth were literall\- crowded with the wounded, 
and thfi door yard of the first named was thronged with wounded 
men. The first man carried to the rear was Adjutant E. B. 
Culver. He was mortally wounded, as before stated in the first 
charge, b)' a bullet in the head; the injury rendering him sense- 
less from the first. He fell directly under Maj. Peale's horse. 
At the same time the major caught the adjutant's horse by the 
bridle and prevented his escaping, the steed being excited by the 
fall of his rider. The horse was given in charge of an orderly 
who took it to the rear, and as soon as possible the major went 
to the aid of Culver. He could not do so at once as the reo-i- 
ment was in the act of charging, and required the presence of 
every officer in his place. The wounded officer was conveyed to 
the rear and laid under the shade of a tree near the road, where 
a surgeon of an Ohio regiment, Dr. Harrington of the Eight- 
eenth, and the chaplain soon found him. Everythino- that was 
possible was donr for him. He was placed on a .stretcher and 
conveyed to the nearest hospital, and there he died the following 
night, not having regained consciousness after his hurt. Adju- 
tant Culver was sincerely mourned by the whole regiment, espec- 
ially by the officers of the staff who knew him best. He enlisted 
from Norwich, Conn., cjuitting a fine situation in the drug store 
of Lee & Osgood, by whom he was held in hi^h esteem on ac- 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



count of his intelligence and fidelity. He was assured when he 
enlisted that if he returned from the war he could have his old 
position if he desired it. He carried into the service of his 
country all the qualities of a scholar, gentleman and a good 
soldier. He was a superior officer, prompt, energetic, obedient, 
brave and faithful. He shrank from no duties, and shunned no 
dan'jers. He went into an action prepared and determined to 
do his whole duty. He was a general favorite. His deport- 
ment was such as to elicit the respect and praise of the privates, 
as well as his superiors in rank, and it was a pleasure to witness 
his soldierly bearing at dress parade. Every man in the regi- 
ment loved him and was proud of him. His loss was deeply felt 
and re'^'-retted. Both Col. Ely and Maj. Peale felt that his loss 
was almost irreparable, and this conviction was shared in by all 
their fellow officers of the staff and line. His remains were 
buried near the hospital, his grave marked, and the following 
week his remains were removed and buried in his native town in 
New York state. 

Lieut. McGinnis, Company E, was shot through the head 
late in the fight, and died the same evening. The following rec- 
ord has been furnished by a friend, which is here inserted entire: 
John T. McGinnis was born in Stamford, Conn., September 25th, 
1825. With only the advantages of a common school education 
he learned the trade of a printer, and was for some time engaged 
in the New York Herald office as foreman, and afterwards as 
compiler and proof reader. Most of his life was spent in this 
way until 1849, when he engaged in mercantile business. At 
the first outbreak of the Rebellion he wished to enter the field at 
once, but was prevented by the persuasions of his family. When 
the President made his call for 'three hundred thousand more,' 
he said: 'My country' is in great danger; 1 am going now.' He 
immediately commenced recruiting for the Eighteenth Regi- 
ment Connecticut Volunteers. With noble modesty he declined 
any position of honor until he should have earned it. On the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 239 



18th of August, 1862, he was commissioned second lieutenant of 
Company E, Eighteenth Regiment. While stationed at Perry- 
ville, Md., he was promoted to first lieutenant, December 26th, 
1862. Although not called immediately into active service in 
the field, yet he acquired a high reputation among those who 
knew him for faithful discharge of his duties as a soldier. Leav- 
ing Baltimore with his regiment on the 25th of May, 1863, he 
was engaged in the Winchester battles, under Gen. Milrov, June 
13th, 14th and 15th. On the morning of the 15th, after some 
hard fighting, he was taken prisoner, together with most of the 
officers and men of his regiment, by Johnson's division of 
Ewell's corps. They were immediately marched to Libby Prison, 
Richmond, suffering greatly from fatigue, thirst and hunger, 
where they arrived June 23d. 1863. Lieut. McGinnis was not 
discharged until March 16th, 1864. At one time while in prison 
he was very sick. From cold, privation and suffering he con- 
tracted a cough from which he never recovered. Receiving a 
furlough he returned home to his family for a few weeks, and 
though still suffering from illness, when his leave of absence ex- 
pired he expressed an ardent desire to return to his regiment, 
many of whom he had not seen for ten months. His lungs were 
visibly affected. Many of his friends endeavored to have him 
obtain an exte?ision of furlough, but his reply was: 'My boys are 
already in the field; they are on the march; they need me. My 
country needs the help of every single arm. Of what account is 
my poor life, and of what account are the lives of a million men 
if thereby our nation is saved.' It was hard parting from his 
family, but God gave him strength. He joined his regiment, 
then under Gen. Hunter, near .Strasburg, Va , May 24th, 1864. 
His last words were true to himself and his great nature. He 
writes from Woodstock, Va.: 'I regret that my health is not suf- 
ficiently good to justify much exposure, but poor as it is I wish 
you to know and feel that I shall not shirk my duty in the hour 
of trial.' On the morning of Sunday, June 5th, 1864, Gen. 



240 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Hunter's command met the rebels, under Gen. Jones, at Pied- 
mont, Va. Lieut. McGinnis led his company into action, and by 
his coolness and bravery, as in former battles, won the praise and 
admiration of his brother soldiers. At mid-day he fell mortally 
wounded in the left forehead, killed by an English Tower rifle 
ball. 'If I am to fall.' said he, 'let it be on a victorious battle- 
field, amid the cheers of the boys in blue, and under the trium- 
phant shadows of our noble flag.' The prayer of the brave 
lieutenant was answered. He proved himself, like thousands of 
his countrymen, a true patriot, a brave soldier, a noble man. 
His name is honorably mentioned by Col. Ely, of the Eighteenth 
Regiment, in his report to the adjutant general, 'as a valuable 
officer, who in camp inspired the soldiers to excel in the faithful 
discharge of military duties, and on the battle-field encouraged 
the men by gallant examples.' One who knew him best has 
written: 'Lieut. McGinnis was an honest, upright, whole-souled 
man; everywhere and under all circumstances a true gentleman. 
No officer in the regiment had more attached and devoted 
friends than he, and among his military companions, as well as in 
a wide circle of relatives and friends, his loss will be deeply 
and sincerely felt.' " 

"Sergeant William Henry Paine was the only son of William 
Paine, of Woodstock, Conn., and was a young man of much 
promise. Having no taste or inclination for camp life, only at 
the call of duty did he with others volunteer to defend his coun- 
try. Boasting no courage, he was ever to be relied upon in dif- 
ficult and dangerous service, and never was known to shirk duty, 
even in the face of death. His superior officers relied much up- 
on his vivacious disposition to keep the men in good spirits, 
and they testified that his services in this respect were invaluable. 
It was during what was known as Hunter's raid in Virginia, the 
5th of June, 1864, that Paine lost his life. At the battle of Pied- 
mont, in the face of a shower of bullets, while faced about to give 
directions to the men in his charge, a bullet from the enemy en- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 241 

tered his body, and in a few hours ended his life at the age of 
twenty-four. His remains were at length conveyed to his native 
town, and interred in the family cemetery. On his tomb-stone 
is inscribed these truthful words: 'A precious sacrifice.'" 

From personal observation we are prepared to endorse the 
testimony here given concerning his excellent qualities, both as a 
Christian, gentleman and a soldier. 

In addition to Adjutant Culver and Lieut. McGinnis, there 
fell at Piedmont as noble a band of men, as ever gave their 
lives for their country. "Death loves a shining mark," and 
it seemed that rebel bullets were aimed at and struck down 
some of the best men in the Eighteenth Regiment at Piedmont. 
Such honor has been freely accorded to these men by their sur- 
viving comrades. Never was the loss of soldier comrades more 
sincerely regretted and mourned than in this instance. It was 
the general remark after the battle. These men stood bravely 
to their post until they were shot down. It would be invidious, 
perhaps, to particularize. The name of every o-ne is immortal, 
and their memory will be very dear to those who knew their 
worth as brave soldiers in a righteous cause, for which they be- 
came martyrs. But there were those who were more than re- 
spected as good soldiers, who were loved as intimate companions 
and friends for their many virtues. Each company had its spec- 
ial favorites, who were greatly esteemed for their general useful- 
ness in their respective positions. The writer regrets that per- 
sonal reminiscences of these men have not been furnished by 
their surviving comrades or relatives for this history. It ought 
to have been done in justice to the memory of these patriots and 
defenders of their country's tlag. They died that the nation 
might live; that our free government and institutions of learning 
and freedom might be preserved and handed down in their puri- 
ty to the generations to come. 

Had they and their fallen conirad(-s not bared their breasts to 
rebel bullets and foiiglu to thi- last, our Union wouKl lia\e bt-en 



242 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



rent asunder, and Southern hate and revenge would have com- 
mitted the same atrocities here at the North as they did at 
Richmond, or Andersonville, or Columbia. Blessed be the 
memory of the men who gave their lives to destroy the Southern 
Confederacy, thus preventing the barbarism of negro slavery 
from spreading over the whole countr)-, and thus warding off 
further intlictions from the hands of divine justice. 

Nor should th;- maimed and wounded of the Eighteenth at 
Piedmont be forgotten. They too, as a whole, conducted them- 
selves in a manner that deserves special commendation and even 
admiration. It was a sad sight to see more than one hundred 
men suffering from their wounds, and exposed to the extreme 
heat of that terrible hot day. The hospital was filled early in 
the battle, and then the poor sufferers were laid in rows in the 
adjoining yard, covering a large space of ground. It was a 
long time before all could have their wounds properly cared 
for. Some were constantly calling for water to quench their ex- 
treme thirst, and others for relief from their acute sufferings. 
Others were dying, while others still were enduring amputation 
with the hope of saving themselves from the grasp of the pale 
messenger. On the whole, it was a sight that once seen would 
never be forgotten, and the wonder is that more of the wounded 
heroes did not give way to impatience and despair. On the 
contrary, they were remarkably cheerful and hopeful under the 
circumstances. They bore their pains without murmuring or 
complaint. The writer was amazed, in going from one to an- 
other of his regiment, to find them so reconciled to their distress- 
ing condition. They seemed to forget their pains in their great 
interest in the result of the battle that was being so hotly con- 
tested. When the news came that the rebels had broken and 
were retreating in wild confusion, and our cavalry were in hot 
pursuit, the wounded men seemed to forget entirely their painful 
condition. They were almost beside themselves with joy. They 
cheered, clapped their hands, and those who were able sprang to 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 243 



their feet, threw up their hands and caps, and amid shouts and 
tears of joj- cheered again and again for the Union. The im- 
pression of that scene will never be effaced from the hearts of 
those who participated in it. Not a few of the wounded who 
made the air vocal with their shouts that day were soon num- 
bered among the dead. In nearly two-thirds of the cases the 
wounded were saved, but in several instances death ultimately 
ensued. God bless the "cripple brigade," in which tiie Eio-ht- 
eenth Connecticut had its full share. May their sufferings and 
privations ever be gratefully remembered by the American 
people. 

It was nearly dusk when the dead were buried and the Eirrht- 
eenth lay down in the woods for the night, onl\- a little way in 
advance of the rebel position, greatly reduced in numbers and 
nearly exhausted from the constant fighting and fatigues of the 
day. Nevertheless, all felt jubilant over the result. They had 
whipped the rebels and sent them flying over the Blue Ridge; 
yet the victory had been dearly purchased, as the list of the dead 
and wounded clearly showed. This thought chastened the joy 
and the men lay down that night serious and thoughtful. 

There were several promotions after the battle. Lieutenant 
J. P. Rockwell, Company G, who had received a slight wound in 
the abdomen but still remained on duty, was promoted adjutant 
in place of the lamented Culver. Orderly Robert Kerr, who had 
commanded Company A, was promoted to a second lieutenan- 
cy for gallant conduct. Other promotions were made, equally 
well deserved, and the regiment was ready and eager for further 
service. 

On June 6th moved early on Staunton. As the regiment 
filed out of the woods into the highway. Gen. Sullivan and staff 
were sitting on their horses near by, and the general cried to 
his staff: "Three cheers for the Eighteenth Counecticut who 
saved the day at Piedmont," and they were given with a will. 
Gen. Hunter also complimented the regiment for its gallant 



344 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



conduct. The boys went on cheerins^f and singing. There 
was great enthusiasm along the whole line. It was a day 
of triumph, and the march of fifteen miles or more was performed 
with less fatigue than usual. The march was through a fine 
country. The citizens were mostly civil, belonging to a religious 
sect generally called "Uunkers," who were believers in true im- 
mersion, and in their views concerning war something like the 
Quakers. Many of the able-bodied men had run away to escape 
the draft, some of whom had been met at Harper's Ferry before 
the Union force moved up the valley. One old man and his 
wife stood at their gate as the army moved on, and very freely 
expressed their views with regard to the war, denouncing the 
Southern people for resorting to arms to secure what they called 
their rights. The old man said: "I have been telling the people 
round here that it would come to this if they did not cease their 
agitation and their violent threatenings. Now," he added, "we 
have this cruel war, and the end is not yet." These people 
seemed greatly excited by the movements of Gen. Hunter's ar- 
my. They had reason to be. 

Staunton was reached about five P. M. Here the boys be- 
came very much excited and enthusiastic. Not quite a year 
before most of the Eighteenth had passed through this place on 
their way to Richmond as prisoners of war. Then the citizens 
were as numerou-s as bees, cheering and laughing derisively, and 
asking many impertinent question; among others: "How do you 
like 'on to Richmond' as far as you have got," and otherwise 
insulting them. The men had replied by cheering for the Union 
and the old Hag, and predicting: "We are coming this way again 
before long, and shall bring our muskets with us." This proph- 
ecy was now being fulfilled, as much to the delight oi the 
Yankees as the previous experience had been delightful to the 
proud and exulting rebels. It was mortifying enough to the 
Staunton people to hear the Yankee music, and see the Union 
colors Hying, to listen to cheers of triumph as Northern soldiers 




Lieut. JGHH A. FRANCIS. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 245 



marched through the town. The men as usual kept out of sight, 
while the women looked out of their doors and windows in sul- 
len silence or in spiteful defiance. Some of the citizens expect- 
ed the hated Yankees would commit all kinds of violent acts in 
town, but afterward confessed that the troops appeared more 
orderly than they expected. Went into camp about half a mile 
west of the city, in the midst of a heavy shower, where the grass 
was tall and heavy. 

Remained here three days. In the meantime different regi- 
ments were sent along the railroads to destro) the tracks and 
burn the. bridges. The Eighteenth was absent one day; cap- 
tured several fine horses, and helped themselves to the good 
things of the land. Great quantitif'sof tobacco were destroyed. 
Houses were searched for fire-arms, ammunition, and provisions, 
and property generally well shaken up. In the midst of this 
work, Gen. Averill's cavalry came marching into town, the 
band playing "Yankee Doodle." The men were nearly crazy 
with delight, and told the new comers to help themselves 
to tobacco, and the latter proceeded so to do after a soldier's 
most approved style. Every pocket was crammed with the Iwxu- 
ry. Gen. Crook came into town soon after with a force of in- 
fantry. Crook and Averill had reached Staunton Ijy another 
route, and now were joined to Gen. Hunter's command, making 
a force of some fifteen or sixteen thousand men. The Eight- 
eenth wrote great quantities of letters while here to their old 
homes in Connecticut. The time of the Twenty-Eighth Ohio 
having expired, the) were ordered home in charge of a train, by 
a mountain road tiirough West Virginia. A number of our 
wounded were sent to the rear by this train. Most of the 
badly wounded at Piedmont were removed to the hospital in 
Staunton, several of whom soon afterward died. After our force 
left the town, the poor fellows seemed to become discouraged, 
and it was said they died of home-sickness. 

June 9th, reconnoitered in force a few miles we.st of Staunton, 



246 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



a rebel force having been seen in that direction the night "previ- 
ous. Halted abont noon near a railroad crossing for rest and 
rations. In the meantime made considerable work for the rail- 
road company in repairing bridges and la)'ing new rails and ties. 
Returned to Staunton and spent another night. The men found 
it quite as pleasant staying here with their muskets as without 
them a year before. They would have been quite willing to 
have remained a longer time. 

Staunton is beautifully located on a small branch of the Shen- 
andoah near its source, and on the Central Railroad in Virginia, 
one hundred and twenty miles from Richmond. Gen. Hunter 
caused this road immense damage while here, besides destroying 
quantities of military stores and tobacco. The Western Lunatic 
Asylum was located here. There was also an institution for the 
dumb and blind. One or boih of these buildings were in use as 
hospitals for sick and wounded Confederate and Union soldiers. 
The town contained five or six churches, two academies, two fe- 
male seminaries and two banks. The capture of this place was 
quite an achievement, as the destruction of rebel property here 
was estimated at over a million of dollars. It was a terrible 
mortification to the rebel citizens of Staunton to see the Yankees 
in power. The old men, however, said but little, but the young 
men were very bitter and fierce in their denunciations and deter- 
mination to carry on the war to the bitter end. The writer 
recalls a conversation with one of this class, in substance as fol- 
lows: "What right have you to come down here to fight us and 
destroy our property?" "We are here in obedience to our gov- 
ernment, and to defend its honor and tlag." "Why do you employ 
the niggers to fight for you?" "For the same reason that you 
employ them as servants, to dig your trenches, build your fortifi- 
cations, and wait on your officers of the army. They serve us 
equally well as soldiers. We have left white folks enough to 
raise food for our armies. We do not need niggers for that, 
but only to fight." "But you will never whip us." "Yes we shall, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 247 

for we have the most men and the most money, and besides we 
have right on our side. If you should kill off our present armies 
our government coukl raise others Hke them, while you have got 
already your whole availal)le force in the lield, and you cannot 
raise another man and you know it. Now take good advice: 
return to your allegiance to the United States governinent and 
be loyal citizens, and it shall be well with you." "We shall not do 
it; we will die first." "Very well then make up your mind to die, 
for we shall put down this Rebellion if it takes twenty years." 
"We can't see it." "Vou will see it, and besides we will introduce 
free schools and the fne institutions of the North all over this 
Southern country, and in ten years you will see the good effects 
and thank us for whipping you. II you do not, your children will, 
and rise up and call us blessed." 



248 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER XII. 



HUNTERS RAID — ON -TO LYNCHEURG. 



On the loth of June the united forces of Hunter and Averill 
left Staunton for Lynchburg. The day was very hot and the 
march was in silence. Halted at one time near a very fine spring. 
While here a train overtook us from Martinsburg and some of 
the Eighteenth came on it. Received a mail, which the chap- 
lain distributed, greatly to the delight of those who were lucky 
enough to get news from home. A member of Company A says: 
"I received a letter from my wife and was very thankful. In it I 
found a little green tea. She little knows the good it will do me 
when we go into camp to-night, for I have no coffee." Passed 
on a little way and found an old man standing by his gate, who 
said with deep emotion: "It does me good to see the old flag. I 
have not seen it for more than three years. 

Went into camp that night at a place called Medway, near an 
old brick church. Rations had begun to be scarce. The boys 
cooked their meat by holding it in the blaze of. their fires. 
However, made the best of it, the boys having considerable sport 
in this novel process of "broiling steak." Next day, Saturday, 
June I ith, after a tiresome march arrived at Lexington, the seat 
of Washington College and the Virginian Military Institute. 
Found Gen. Crook skirmishing with a rebel force on the opposite 
side ot the north branch of the James River. The firing was 
kept up for several hours. In the meantime a force was 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 249 

sent to the enemy's left, by fording the river a mile or two 
above the town. The rebels rushed out in great haste. The 
Union force took possession of the town and burned the Military 
Institute and Governor Letcher's house, and destroyed not a 
little rebel property. The statue of Washington, in front of the 
Institute, was taken away and sent to Washington. Next day, 
Sunday, the whole force was moved across the river. The rebels 
had burned the bridge, but the river, being low on account of the 
drouth, it was easily forded and the Eighteenth went into camp 
a little east of the town. The situation was delightful. Lexing- 
ton lies in a valley, and the mountain scenery on all sides is 
grand and beautiful. Moreover, the town itself was very pleas- 
ant. It had not suffered much from the effects of the war until 
now, with the single exception of Washington College. This 
had been occupied by the rebels previous to its occupation by 
the Union army, and everything was in a poor and dilapidated 
condition. The books of the library were scattered over the 
floor of the building, and the injury done was very great. This 
was not all the work of Yankees, the rebels did their full share. 
This place is about one hundred and forty-six miles from Rich- 
mond, and about thirty-five miles northwest from Lynchburg. 
It is noted as having been the home of several leading rebel 
commanders, especially "Stonewall Jackson," and also the place 
of his burial. 

When Hunter's army entered Lexington the rebel flag was 
found flying on a stafY at the head of Jackson's grave. It was 
taken down, and during the two days' stay of the Union forces 
the flag-staff, and the head and foot-board of his grave were 
fairly whittled away and carried of? for relics. The house of 
Jackson was pointed out, as well as other places of note, owing 
to their relations to the Rebellion. Mayor Adams — as he was 
called — was very polite and gentlemanly — the son of a Northern 
man — and did not seem to be very hearty in his support of the 
war. He expressed the hope that Hunter would take every 



250 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



black man from the county (Rockl:)ridg^e.) Slavery he said was 
not at all profitable to the owners, and they were tired of it. 
Provisions seemed to be very scarce among the citizens. The 
mayor invited the chaplain of the Eig;hteenth to take breakfast 
with him, and there was nothing on his table but rye coffee — 
called Jeff lOavis coffee — and one plate of very small biscuit 
made of poor llour. "This." said he "is the best we have." On 
the whole, the stay of two days at Lexington was very pleasant. 
The men needed rest. The chief pastime was making rings and 
other trinkets from the black walnut boards captured from Stone- 
wall Jackson's grave. 

June 14th, left Lexington about seven A. M., and marched all 
day through a romantic country, passing within two or three 
miles of the Natural Bridge, which Lieut. Johnson and several 
other officers visited. Arrived at Buchanan about sunset. 
Here the rebels had committed a most foolish vandalism — 
burned a very fine bridge which spanned the south branch of 
the James River. This place was the head of navigation, and 
connected also with Richmond by the James River canal. The 
canal boats were used to convey the troops across the river to 
Pattonsburg, and this village the burning of the bridge set on 
fire. The Union advance extinguished the flames, and thus 
saved the rebels a greater loss from their own malicious folly. 
A large portion of the troops crossed on the remains of the 
bridge which had fallen into the river. The timbers and boards 
were so arranged as to make a passable foot-bridge. The 
horses and mule teams forded the river a mile or two above, but 
not without difficulty. Just before crossing the river the Yankees 
were greeted with cheers of welcome, and the old flag was waved 
by a company of people on the veranda of a large house a little 
to the left from the line of march. This was the first demon- 
stration of the kind since the departure from Winchester, and 
each regiment responded with hearty cheers as they passed, 
causing no little excitement in the staid-looking town. The men 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 251 

thought the very name was proof enough that it was an old fot^y 
town and they wondered if the people would sufficiently awake 
to know that the Yankees had come. The crowd that had 
cheered were called "Northern people," and they showed about 
the only signs of life in the place. The Eighteenth camped in 
a wheat field that night about a mile above the crossing. All 
were weary and slept soundly. The wheat straw made a very 
good bed, but did not furnish very suljstantial food for stomachs 
which at the time began to cry for bread. 

June 15th, Wednesday, arose about sunrise. Being but a 
short distance from the river, many of the boys repaired thither 
for washing, near the place of fording. Several wrecked team 
wagons were still in the river, besides one or two single-horse 
wagons belonging to the contrabands following Gen. Himter's 
trains. Two darkies, a man and woman, were sitting in a wag- 
on, minus a horse, waiting for a power of locomotion to ''take 
them over Jordan," which they evidently began to find a "hard 
road to travel." About nine A. M. the order came to move tow- 
ard a gap in the Blue Ridge, which was but a short distance 
away. Here a rebel spy was detected trying to decoy into the 
mountains one of Gen. Averill's trains. He was instantly shot 
and his body left in the road as a warning to others. Soon after- 
ward began to ascend the mountains by a narrow, rough road, 
that was as crooked as a ram's horn, and in some places very 
steep. The rebels had made marching more difficult by fellino- 
trees across the way in many places, and by bushwhackino-. 
One of these wayside murderers was brought to grief by beino- 
shot, and his body laid out by the roadside some way up the 
mountain. Several others were taken prisoners, among them a 
rebel colonel and his son. The colonel was a fine looking man 
and showed a good deal of spirit, and he became a marked char- 
acter thereafter. The march was tiresome, but the scenery was 
grand and inspiring. The air in the ascent was cool and bracino-, 
and the whole scene one never to be forgotten. Reaching the 



252 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



highest point, the Peaks of Otter were in full view, and the lesser 
heights, with their intervening valleys dotted here and there with 
signs of agricultural life, formed one of the most picturesque 
and charming views in Virginia. A nearer approach to the 
peaks revealed a signal flag station. This at first was supposed 
to be rebel, but when it appeared to be Union there was great 
excitement and joy in the Union line. That night the Eight- 
eenth slept among old logs at the base of the Peaks of Otter, 
a rough, barren place, with but little to eat either for man or 
beast. But the night passed quickly and revealed a splendid 
morning among the mountains. The day previous had been hot, 
and but for the great elevation must have been wilting to the 
already worn out men, some of whom were mounted during the 
day, having exchanged places with several of the horsemen, 
one or two old men must have been left in the mountains but 
for the aid thus given them. Now there was the promise of a 
still hotter day, and the descent into the valley east of the ridge 
did not crive much encouragement to sore-footed and tired-out 
men. A march of two hours or more over a very rocky road, 
part of the way, brought the army into a splendid country — 
level, smooth and very productive. Here we struck the Ten- 
nessee and Lynchburg railroad at a town called Liberty, a very 
pleasant place, but strongly rebel in its proclivities, like most 
other places on the line of march. Gen. Hunter did all the 
damage he could by burning railroad bridges, bending rails, 
etc. A short way out of the place halted for rest and rations. 
The men found an out-building where bacon had been hid away, 
and helped themselves, marching into the woods with hams ele- 
vated upon their bayonets. But no one hurt themselves by over- 
eating that day. The heat, however, had become dreadful, and 
the men fell out in large numbers. There were also a large 
number on the sick list. Among others was Surgeon Harring 
ton, who had found the mountain air of the day previous too 
bracing for his weak lungs. This, with great fatigue, brought 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 253 

on hemorrhage of the lungs. He bled quite freely at night at 
Little Otter Creek, where the regiment went into camp for the 
night after a march of eighteen miles. The advance had skir- 
mished with the enemy most of the way from Liberty. A large 
number of men had foraged through the day with indifferent 
success'. Had to live mostly on the country, and the inhabit- 
ants did not leave much that would feed Yankees about their 
premises. 

Sam Taylor, of Company A, foraged three pints of meal at 
one house, the family declaring that it was all. the)- had in the 
house. But Sam thought it was all right to take it, they beino- 
the cause of the war and the ones wIki ought to suffer for it. At 
Little Otter Creek some of the men, with the chaplain, went af- 
ter strawberries, and found them quite plentiful a short distance 
away. The best thing for supper that night was the dessert 
usual in Yankee land. 

June 17th, fought the heat, which was intense, and the rebels 
who persisted in placing every obstruction in the way. At Big 
Otter Creek had to build a bridge before the trains could pass. 
Some of the men and horses forded the stream above while this 
was being done, and enjoyed themselves in looking on, and talk- 
ing with citizens of different color on the opposite bank. One 
man asked various questions as to the number and strenoth of 
the Union force, but was not made much wiser for his pains. 
The respondent was sure to give pretty big figures in every in- 
stance, which not a little bewildered the inquisitors. Several 
old darkies, in a shy way, asked several questions with regard to 
chance for going off with the Yankees. Of course the replies 
were somewhat indifferent, as the prospect was not flattering at 
that time of the Yankees themselves getting very far. unless it 
was in the direction of Libby or Andersonville. Thino-s becran 
to look rather dark. It was evident that another fight was close 
at hand, and Hunter was a long way from his base of supplies. 
Surgeon Harrington, who had become worse, was put into an 



254 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



ambulance, and placed in charge of the chaplain. Skirmishing 
grew hotter, like the climate, as the army advanced. Passed 
throut'^h a place called New London, which had the appear- 
ance of an old broken down London. Found near by the 
way an alum spring, with stone steps leading down to the water. 
Many canteens were filled here, as it was thought the water was 
very healthy for men in the condition of the soldiers at that time. 
True, the water was a little "puckering," but some thought the 
stomachs of the men needed to be brought into a compass to 
correspond with the amount of their rations, which began to 
grow uncomfortably small at this time. At all events the men 
were determined to make the best of the situation, and numer- 
ous jokes were passed with reference to the stringent water of 
New London, for there began to be a severe stringency in the 
forage market. Passing on from this place in the course of two 
hours there was brisk firing in front. The rebels had made a 
stand about three miles this side of Lynchburg, and there was 
quite a smart fight near an old church. Gen. Crook drove them 
back, however, and captured several guns and a few prisoners. 
Night put an end to the pursuit. The Eighteenth was ordered 
on picket duty, about three-fourths of a mile in front of the scene 
of battle near the church, and within speaking distance of 
the rebel line. Indeed the rebels were heard many times during 
the nio-ht talking and cheering, and giving signs of an immediate 
advance. There was considerable activity during the night. 
Maj. Peale, in looking after his picket line, came near being cap- 
tured, finding himself at one time in perilously close proximity 
to the rebels. The regiment did not get much rest during the 
night, fearing an attack. 

Early the next morning an artillery duel commenced, lasting 
several hours, during which time both armies remained compar- 
atively quiet. While this duel was in progress, two shells from 
the enemy's battery exploded in the line of the Eighteenth while 
they were enjoying their pipes, seriously wounding the color 




Lieut. JAHE3 E. HIGGINS. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 255 

bearer, Sergeant C. A. Tourtelott, Company H, and private E. 
R. Wood, Company B. Soon after Col. Ely was slightly wound- 
ed in the throat by a piece of a shell. From this time the com- 
mand de^'olved on Maj. Peale. The troublesome battery was 
soon silenced. Shortly thereafter it was discovered that the ene- 
my was massing his forces on Hunter's left, and they began to 
yell with great vigor. The Eighteenth, with other forces, were 
moved quietly to the left in support of Snow's Battery; four lines 
of battle were formed to repel a charge from the enemy, 
which was successfully done, the rebels being driven back 
behind their entrenchments, where they waited for reinforce- 
ments. About four P. M. the car whistles at Ljnchburg 
indicated that the rebels were being reinforced — drums were 
beating, and there was great cheering and rejoicing. In the 
meantime Gen. Hunter, comprehending the situation, was com- 
pleting his arrangements for a retreat. A portion of his train 
was kept in full view of the enemy, but the greater part was 
quietly moved to the rear, and heided towards Liberty. The 
charges of the rebels had been repelled in the afternoon, so that 
this movement was not discovered until it was handsomely exe- 
cuted. Not a single wagon or ambulance was captured. At 
sunset the relative position of both armies was about the same 
as in the morning, with the advantage in favor of Gen. Hunter 
for a successful retreat. By dusk the whole force was following 
the trains, excepting the Eighteenth Connecticut, which was left 
on picket duty in a perilous situation. The enemy was within 
speaking distance. Their conversation could be distinctly heard. 
Gen. Hunter had kept up a good show of tight through the day, 
and it was necessary that appearances should be maintained to 
the last. This was admirably done by the Eighteenth until after 
dark; then the regiment moved out as silently as possible on to 
the pike, and at a double quick followed in the wake of the re- 
treating forces, overtaking them near New London. 

It seemed the enemy had not 'made calculations for this 



256 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

sudden movement, and hence the great share of the force 
eluded the grasp of Gen. Early, wlio was in Lynchburg. The 
wonder is that Gen. Hunter, with an army in front of him of at 
least thirty thousand men, got away vvith so little trouble and 
loss. If Gen. Hunter made a mistake in going to Lynchburg 
instead of Charlottsville from Staunton, it must be admitted 
that he displayed fine generalship in conducting the fight at, and 
in his retreat from Lynchburg in the presence of such a large 
force of the enemy. The loss of the Eighteenth was nine 
wounded. E. R. Wood had a leg amputated, as also had C. A. 
Tourtelott. The latter died at College Hospital, Lynchburg, on 
the 15th of August following. He was a brave and excellent 
soldier. 

Soon after he was wounded he was carried, with Wood, to the 
hospital, a little to the rear and in full view of the enemy's line. 
Before his leg was amputated, and while our line was successful- 
ly repelling the charges of the enemy, he was told by the chap- 
lain that the rebels were retreating. Lying on the ground, rais- 
ing himself up and clasping his shattered knee in both hands he 
exclaimed: "Chaplain, I care nothing for this if we can only whip 
the rebels." Both he and Wood were very cheerful when the 
ambulance train left that evening to follow the retreat, but alter- 
ward Tourtelott lost all courage, and it is said he diecl broken 
hearted. Col. Ely had a narrow escape, as before indicated. 
All the wounded were left in the hospital with Surgeon Harring- 
ton, who was too feeble to be removed. This necessity was a 
source of deep regret to Surgeon Holbrook and Col. Ely, and a 
severe loss to the whole regiment. Harrington was a well- 
informed, considerate and faithful surgeon, and will always be re- 
membered with gratitude by the members of the Eighteenth. 
He returned no more to his post of duty. He remained a pris- 
oner until the 3d of September following, when he was ex- 
changed at Charleston, S. C. Ten days after he wrote the 
following letter to his chaplain, which speaks for itself. 



CONNECriCUr volunteers. 257 



New York Harbor, Gknerai. Hospital, Sept. 23d, 1864. 
Chaplain Walker— My Dear Sir:— I am at liberty again; 
free from the clutches of the barbarians, but still a prisoner to 
disease, and held in pretty close confinement. I have seen some 
pretty hard times since I saw you, and reviewing them now I 
wonder how I could have endured what 1 have passed through. 
God was very good to me or I never could have withstood the 
hardships of my prison life. After my capture, for five weeks 
my health improved considerably, and then I was sent with about 
three hundred captured officers and men to Macon, Georgia. 
The hardships of the journey, and subsequent exposure, brought 
on an attack of pleuro-pneumonia from which 1 have not yet 
fully recovered. I am much debilitated. In fact my chief 
trouble is lack of strength almost to breathe. I remained in 
Macon about six weeks, was then taken to Charleston, S. C, ar- 
riving there on the .d instant, just in time to be exchanged with 
other non-combatants on the 3d. .After reaching our lines went 
into hospital immediately, and have been in hospital on sea or 
land ever since. From here I shall try and get home and recruit 
awhile. Whether I shall ever return to the regiment again is 
very doubtful. Time will soon decide. At all events, I am in 
the Almighty's hands, and his will be done. 
Most respectfully yours, 

]. V. Harrington', 

Assistant Surgeon Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. 
This letter will be read by many of the officers and men of the 
Eighteenth with tender hearts and moistened eyes. It will re- 
call many deeds of kindness and faithful attentions, which dis- 
tino-uished Surgeon Harrington in his official capacity and in 
social intercourse. He reached his home in Sterling, Conn., in a 
short time after writing the above, but lived only a few days. The 
news of his death caused general sadness among his former com- 
rades in service and hardships for the flag of his country. It is 
no wonder then that the Eig.ueenth deeply regretted the neces- 



258 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



sity of leaving such an officer as Surgeon Harrington to the 
tender mercies of the rebels at Lynchburg on that ever memor- 
able day when it turned its face to the mountains of Western 
Virginia. 

It was said that when Gen. Hunter ordered th(; Eighteenth to 
cover his retreat from Lynchburg on the night after the battle, he 
expected the regiment would be captured. It seemed necessary- 
that some regiment must be sacrificed to give the main force the 
start in the race that was to follow. Rut a good fortune favored 
the Eighteenth and nearly every man escaped. A few fell down 
by the way from fatigue, went to sleep, and were captured. 
Among this number was Sergeant Beutly Shaw, of Norwich, 
Company I. Me had a long confuiemcnt in relK'ldom before his 
return to the regiment. All night lung the weary march was 
kept up. Halted early the next morning near Little Otter Creek, 
not far from the camp-ground of the night previous. 

At this point, on the morning of the 19th, the different detach- 
ments of the Eighteenth were again united. Their escapes 
were truly wonderful, especially Companies H, under Lieut. 
Caruthers, who skirmished with the enemy until passing the 
Quaker church, and I) and G, umler command ol Lieut. Hixby. 
These companies had been lelt on the skirmish line in front of 
Lynchburg early on the previous evening with instructions to keep 
up a brisk tire, in order to better conceal the real movements of 
Hunter. They were not I'lieved until a very late hour and then 
made excellent time in joining the main body tif the regiment, 
which was very mucii exposed throughout the whole of that first 
night's march from L^)nchburg. Col. Peale asked Col. Thoburn. 
who had acted as a brigade commander during the battle, why he 
left the Eighteenth in such an exposed position unsupported. He 
replied: 'Because the Eig^iteenth Connecticut stay where they are 
put." It was necessary thry should hold the position assigned them 
the night previous until the last minute, and they did so. The 
compliment of Col. Thoburn was well deserved. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 259 



In this reference there is no desire to make in\ iJiuus compari- 
sons. Other regiments did nobly and their record ought to be 
preserved. In writing the history of a single re^jiment it is im- 
possible to say much with reference to others without making 
the work too large. But this much should be said, that it was 
the good fortune of the Kighteenth to be associated with the 
most true and gallant of all the Union army. Among them- 
might be named the First, the Fourth and Twelfth Virginia In- 
fantry, Snow's Maryland Battery, the Fifth New \'nrk Heavy 
Artillery, and the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry i he 
West Virginians were not noted for the very best order on the 
march, but they were splendid. fighters and as true every time as 
steel. Their officers, among whom was Col. Thoburn, were noble 
and brave. Of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts, and their officers, 
much could be said in their praise. At New Market, where the 
gallant Lieut.-Col. Lincoln was severely wounded, they bore the 
brunt of the battle and covered themselves with glory. At 
Piedmont they made a splendid tfank movement and charge, 
which contributed greatly to the glorious victory of that day At 
Lynchburg, and on the retreat, they maijitained their credit well 
and proved themselves worthy of the gratitude of the people of 
the old Bay State, the honor of whom they did bo nobly sustain. 
The One Hundred and .Sixteenth and One Hundred and 
Twenty-Third Ohio Infantry, also deserve to be honorably men- 
tioned in connection with Hunter's raid. A faithful history of all 
these regiments, and others, the names of which do nut now occur 
to the writer, would form a work of great interest and honor to 
all concerned. Would some pen might write it! 

Whatever were the mistakes in generalship on thr part of 
Hunter, the rebels had but little to boast of on their part. It 
was greatly to the discredit of their commanders that the whole 
Yankee army was not captured. It is \,xoo[ that the Union force 
fought well, and especially that the Eighteenth made a handsome 
show of tight until the verj- last. In one report of the rebels it 



26o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

was confessed that "had the Yankees remained until morning 
they would all have been captured." It was an official rebel re- 
port which acknowledged the retreat, and also that during the 
battle, and the retreat as far as New London, only forty prisoners 
were captured. Another report said that three pieces of artillery 
were captured, but this was admitted by the same authority after- 
ward to be a mistake, while not a wagon of the whole train was 
taken, as before stated. However, it must be admitted that the 
failure to capture Lynchburg was a great disappointment to Gen- 
erals Hunter, Sullivan, Crook and Averill, and to the whole 
army also. It was thought by many of the officers and men that 
the great mistake of Hunter was that he did not press on after 
his success at the ■•(Quaker" church on the previous evening, 
where one piece of artillery was captured from the enemy, and 
the rebel force was somewhat demoralized. Gen. Grant, in an 
official report of Hunter's movements up the valley, says: "Owing 
to a want of ammunition to give battle. Hunter retired from be- 
fore Lynchburg and was left no choice of return but by the Ka- 
nawha. I have no doubt he acted within what he considered the 
spirit of his instructions, and the interests of the service. The 
promptitude of his movements and his gallantry should entith- 
him to the commendation of his country. It is saying only the 
truth, however, that Gen. Hunter was never very popular with 
his command as a whole. He was called a good fighter but was 
regarded as careless of the wants of his men. It was a common 
saying among a certain class of his men that he thought more of 
the negro than he did of a soldier, because negroes rode in 
the wagons while wearied and wounded soldiers marched. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 261 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE RETREAT FROM LVNCHBURG. 



The rebels were evidently deeply disappointed too in the move- 
ments of Gen. Hunter. After Early's appearance with his thirty 
thousand men, they hoped to "bag" the whole Union force within 
a few miles of Lynchburg. But the "bird had flown." However, 
the rebels pursued on the 19th of June, while Gen. Hunter re- 
treated from Otter Creek at his leisure, arriving again at Liberty 
Sunday afternoon about three o'clock. It was exceedingly hot, 
and the boys began to suffer severely from fatigue and heat. Gen. 
Hunter marched his forces in the tlirection of Salem, leaving the 
Peaks of Otter to the right. The view from this point was 
beautiful and grand. After marching a few miles halted, 
the Eighteenth lying on their arms all night in the woods. In 
the meantime, or about sunset, the rebels made a furious attack 
upon our rear guard, which was handsomely repelled by Gen. 
Avprill, who captured fifty of the enemy. The Union loss was 
not known. There was no disturbance during the night, though 
the renewal ot the rebel attack was momentarily expected. It was 
a dismal, disheartening night, during which, however, some of 
the men who had been prostrated with the extreme heat of the 
day rejoined their companions; among whom were .Sergeant VVm. 
Hillard, Company E, and Erank W. Cheney, of Company D. 
The former was taken quite ill before reaching Liberty, and fell 
to the rear. A large dose of the "Balm of Gilead" revived 



262 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



him, and he was put upon a horse belonging to one of the 
staff, and both came into camp at last in pretty good condition, 
all things considered, ft was a marvel that men could endure 
such hardship. It was the third night since the regiment 
had had an undisturbed rest in sleep, although the rear guard 
was known to be in great danger. The men were so weary 
they could sleep under almost any circumstances. June 20th, 
as soon as it was light were on the move again. About noon, 
halted at a place called "Big Lick" and rested in a fine wood-lot, 
on a hill to the right of the pike, until near sunset. At this place 
a little altercation took place among some of the boys about 
rations, but the matter was soon adjusted, and a few hours of 
real rest were enjoyed. It was the intention to have remained 
in this place all night, but the rebels had come up with our 
rear guard again, and for a time the firing was quick and sharp. 
Then came the order, "fall in." "Too bad," say a score of voices. 
But no matter, the Eighteenth soon marches down the hill, on to 
the pike, and is put in charge of the wagon train for the night, 
moving on to Salem. It was a tiresome march, but orderly, al- 
though some of the men fell asleep by the roadside. They 
would sleep riding or marching, and at every halt most all 
would be asleep at once. During the night halted at Hot 
Springs, the first place of pleasurable resort on the route, but no 
one had any idea of remaining for their health. Most of 
the time we were near the line of the Virginia and Tenne.ssee 
Railroad; the bridges were burned and the flames lighted up tiie 
country around. Reached Salem about seven A. M. 

Soon after the arrival of the Eighteenth at this place, sugar 
and coffee were issued, with fresh meat, and the boys made haste 
to prepare a breakfast after their long night march,' but the 
rebels commenced blazing away again in the rear, and before 
breakfast was half ready the order came to "fall in." This was 
downright provoking. One mess had a nice .soup, well flavored, 
just ready to serve up. "Kelly," the butcher, had caught a fine 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 263 



sheep that morninq; which was "sHced up" for the occasion, other 
thiiiL^s had been forat^ed, and there was the promise of a ^ood 
time L,^enerally, until that command "fall in" was sent down the 
line. Hut there was no help for it, and the Eighteenth, with other 
regiments, was marched a half mile to the rear, and placed in line 
of battle in the woods waiting for something to turn up. And 
something did turn up in front, however, instead of at the rear. 
Col. rhoburn's A. A. G. soon came along, and to the inquiries: 
"What is up now.'' Where are you going?" He rejJied: "Hack 
a little way alter the rebels." "Hut you are going the wrong 
way to look for the enemy," said his inquisitor. "This demon- 
stration in the rear is only a ruse of the rebels to get into our 
front," he replied. And so it jiroved, for while the Union forces 
were lying on their arms in the woods, at the expense of their 
breaklast too, the enemy had managed to get into a line position 
in front, a mile or two from Salem, in the mountains, and had 
nearly destroyed one whole battery of artillery, capturing nearly 
eighty horses, unlimbering several guns and wounding many men. 
Of course after this mischief was ilone, Hunter thought it was 
time to be marching on. The Eighteenth, having advanced 
into the woods, marched out ag.iin, and passed through .Salem 
under a scorching sun. Salem seemed to l)e surrounded with 
mountains— a small, low place. With the sun pouring down its 
intense heat upon the poor, hungry, tired men, the advance was 
almost unendurable. J ustas the troops began the ;)scent of a steep 
hill, and at a short turn in the road. Gen. Hunter suddenly 
appeared in front looking blacker and mon; savagt- than ever. 
That little matter in front had e.xcited him, and his appearance 
just then was amusing to say the least. It was really a aober 
affair, and yet one could hardly restrain from laughing to see the 
gruff old general "Hy about." forming his line of battle at the 
foot of the hill. The "rebs" who had caused all this excitement 
were now fairly out of the way, looking out from some of their 
hiding places and enjo)ing the excitement they had made among 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the Yankees. Very soon the Eighteenth arrived at the scene of 
disaster. The place was well chosen by the rebels, and it was a 
great wonder that they did not effect more injury than they did. 
Their position was upon a liigh cliff within fair musket range ot 
the top of the hill on the oppixsite side uf tht^ wa) over which the 
Union troops were to pass. It was a place of eoncealment, and 
had the enemy been so disposed they might have remained 
there the whole time Hunter's army was passing without being 
discovered. But watching their opportunity, and seeing the bat- 
tery passing without proper protection, they improved the time 
to make an attack, which was so sudden and unexpected that the 
men in charge made no attempt to defend themselves, but left 
their guns and ran for their lives. It was well they did so, or all 
of them would have been killed or captured. The unresisted 
rebels made quick work of it, and in less time than it takes to tell 
the story were off with their captured horses, and such light 
articles as they could conveniently carry. The guns were left un- 
limbered by the wayside. The attacking party was thought to 
number about one hundred. Tiie whole affair made quite astir 
along the line of march that clay. A few miles farther on we came 
to a place called Mason's Cove, and halted there an hour or two 
for rest, to finish breakfast and get a warm dinner. To say that 
the occurrences of the day thus far greatly dispirited the men is 
only a faint expression. The general impression was that as the 
Union army had fairly got into the mountains all would be cap- 
tured or starved to death. But this was only the "beginning of 
sorrows." Had the men known at that time all the dangers 
before them for the next six days, every heart would have fainted 
and every man given up at the outset. Happily they were 
unconscious of what awaited them. The next move brought 
the Eighteenth to the ascent of 'Walker's Mountain," a difficult 
ascent, long and in some places steep and rough. It was 
passed at length, and a place called "Sinking," on the .Salem and 
Catawba pike, was reached a short time after sunset, where the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 265 

night was spent in a refreshing rest. The next morning, June 
22d. was very line. Fortunately the l)oys had come very une.x- 
pectedl)- upon a half do/en barrels ol llour just before going into 
camp. There was a Hour mill and a few farm houses near by, 
and the forage contributed a little to the comfort of the boys. 
But what was this among so many. "Toe jams" were more 
common than usual the first morning in the mountains. "Toe 
jams!" antl what were these ? Let us see. Mour or meal mi.xed 
with water, shortened with water, salted with water, and fried in 
well-water, if no "grease" could be found, and then eaten with 
water, if we had no coffee, and perhai)s a bit of fresh meat. 
Many a hungry officer or [private was thankful enough tor this 
poor stuff for breakfast on that sad niorning. The writer will 
never forget the sorrowful laces that met him at Sinking. The 
spirits of the men tallied well with the name of the place. 

One soldier, whom the writer will call "Hill," and whom every 
member of the liighteenth will recognize by that name, was an 
imlispensable adjunct to the teams on a march, and to the hos- 
pital when in camp. Well, Bill sat eating his "toe jam," with a 
face so elongated as to be catching. At length, with an inde- 
scribable sigh, he looked up and said:"! tell )-ou. Chaplain, we 
are in a serious fix; we never shall get out of this in this world." 
The look and the tone "brought down the house," and poor "Bill" 
looked on in mute astonishment to see his chaplain laugh so 
rudely under such serious circumstances. A little way off were 
the smoking ruins of Hunter's pontoon train, the army was far 
away from their base of supplies, and the men were weary, faint 
and hungry, and "Bill" didn't see much to laugh at. Neither did 
the chaplain, but he laughed though. Some of the boys, how- 
ever, thought the laugh was something put on for the occasion 
and they were more than half right. It was a serious time, but 
yielding to tear and des[jair did not help matters. 

The second day's march of the regiment among the moun- 
tains ol \ irginia was one ol peculiar interest. I£ver)' hour's ad- 



266 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

vance rcvealud nciw wonders and marvellous experiences. The 
scenery became grand and imposing^. The road lay between the 
mountains, or through the valle)', and was not very hilly. The 
day, ho\ve\'er, was excessively hot, and the men suffered severely. 
There were but few houses on the route, and these gave evidence 
of the great poverty of the people. The log houses of the moun- 
tain regions of the AUeghanies looked anything but comfortable. 
There was hariUy a man to be seen, and the women were coarse, 
sallow, and altogether unlovely — gawky specimens of ill-dressed 
humanit)', h.iving rop)- hair, and were barefooted or stand- 
ing in clouted brogans, and exhibiting great clawing hands. The 
general appearance of the women, almost without e.xception, 
bore unmistakable signs of unciiltixation, of rusticit)' and degra- 
dation. In some cases their condition was most pitiable and 
heart touching. While the men had run to some hiding place on 
the approach of the army, the women in most instances would 
remain in or near their miserable looking cabins, with their little 
children, to protect what little they had of this world's goods 
that was not secreted. It was their plan to hide what they 
could, or a great part of their domestic possessions, and then make 
a great ado about the soldiers taking what there was left. The 
women coukl manage this programme better than the men. This 
plan did not always succeed. The boys learned the ways of these 
mountain people after awhile, and sometimes showed them a few 
Yankee tricks in their foraging expeditions. At Sinking, where 
a little foraging was done, the boys entered one house and in- 
quired: "Have you got any llour ? " "No, not a bit, the soldiers 
jus', gone took everything, and w'e have nothing left," was the 
quick reply. They did not believe her, and went looking into 
things. Directly the oven door in an old fashioned chimney 
was opened, and the ashes began to fall on the tloor, and a little 
"diguing" revealed three sacks of tlour. "Oh." said one of the 
men, "I thiiight )'Ou had no tlour." "Well, you have found it,'' 
was thf cool rcpl)', 



CONNECriCUT VOLUNTEERS. 267 



At anotlier poor, miserable looking house, a woman was found 
with three or four as dirty lookintj children as ever were seen, 
making a great ado about her lasses and the prospect of her chil- 
dren starving to death. There she stood crying and wringing 
her hands, saying: "O what shall we do? The soldiers have taken 
the last bit out of the house, and these poor little children will 
starve." The children looked more frightened than hungry. But 
there is no doubt there were man\- cases of actual want, and 
this might have been one of them. But these signs of distress 
were assumed for effect as a close search of their premises testified. 
However, there was much in the appearance of the mountaineers 
to excite pity, and if actual want and starvation had not stared 
Union soldiers in the face there was not a place on the route that 
would have been searched for food on account of their unprom- 
ising appearance. The; whole country from LilxM'ty to Gauley 
Bridge would be the last place to send foraging parties. 
Even Newcastle, where we camped for the night was a 
poor, barren looking place, containing only a few dingy 
houses, and a poverty stricken people, .\rrived at the 
borders of the town about dark, sle|3t in the open air, but tried 
to find a place to sleep where one's body would not lie cut with 
sharp stones. If au)- one found an)thing for man or beast to eat 
that night he was more fortunate than the writer. The next 
morning, Jime 23d, th(>re was not much improveuK^nt in the way 
of rations. Passed through the town early, and about a mile 
away began the ascent of "Little Mountain," ami then passed 
through Barber's Creek, and over Pott's Mountain, a rough, wind- 
ing road, and in some places almost impassable. Team horses 
and mules began to give out more frequently, and were shot to 
prevent them becoming serviceable to the mountain guerillas. It 
has been said that one hundred and ninety dead horses were 
counted that da)'. No doubt the number was very large, and the 
prospect of greater fatalit)' was t]uite apparent. The ascent 
of Pott's Mountain, especially, was exceedingly trying to man and 



268 EIGHTEENrH RF.GfMENT 



beast. This was begun about two P. M.. and consumed the re- 
mainder of the day until about sunset. From the top of this 
mountain was obtained the grandest view of the whole march. 
As far as the eye could reach, for miles in every direction, the 
mountains appeared like a vast rolling sea, or like waves of the 
ocean rising one above the other in awful grandeur. "y\lps on 
Alps arise." The last rays of a golden simset gave a beauty and 
glory to the scene perfectly enchanting and indescribable. It 
was a sight that was worth all it cost of privation and suffering to 
enjoy. The impression of the majestic wonders of creation will 
never be effaced from the minds of those who could at that time 
appreciate them. The descent was almost as difficult as the ascent; 
the men were so weary they could hartUy stand up, and they 
went on stumbling and staggcM'ing until they halted about dark 
at "Sweet Springs." Those on horse back were not much better 
off and it seemed that the command, halt, would never come. 
The e.vperiences of that day were terrible. All slept soundlj' 
that night. 

The morning of June J4th was clear and beautifvd, and the 
Eighteenth was stopping at one of the most fashionable watering 
places in the AUeghanies. It has been said that one of the most 
noticeable things of the late civil war was the discovery of Virginia 
and the .Southern -States ])y the Yankees. Here was a new dis- 
covery, a "sweet spring." Ihe morning of |une 24th was de- 
voted to the discovery and (examination of the large hotel near by, 
and the valley generally. A large number of the men engaged 
rooms for the season, or to be occupied when they should have a 
little more leisure to enjoy the fine scenery of the place. Many, 
however, who tried the "sweet waters" iiad tasted better in 
Connecticut, or even in the Shenandoah, and abandoned the idea 
of foraging on the spring for future use. There was a fine arti- 
ficial place for bathing purposes in the hotel — a large room or re- 
servoir in the centre of the building, with sky-lights, about twenty 
feet square, and dressing-rooms adjoining for the use of the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 269 



i^aieRts. All these advantages for bathing were well improved 
that morning, and the bath house was alive with Yankees for 
once. The water was about five feet deep and seemed peculiarly 
invigorating and refreshing to men who had been marching 
without change for so many days in succession. Nearly a whole 
day spent here was a great treat to the Eighteenth. They had 
a little time to rest, wash and "slick up." About nine P. M. 
we were placed in charge of the wagon train for a night's 
march. y\t ten P. M. halted in a mountain pass as dark as mid- 
night. It was one of the most frightful looking places encountered 
yet in the mountains. The march to this point had been very 
rapitl and fatiguing, and the men were so exhausted that as soon 
as the command was given to halt ever)' man fell down 
on the ground and was aslerp apjjarcntly in a minute. Here 
the force waited for an hour or two, it was said, for the moon to 
rise. At length the moon rose over the mountains to the right, 
and lighted up the narrow gorge. The men were awakened and 
began to make their coftee. The order came to march before 
they had time to drink it, and they went marching on, coffee 
smoking in hand. Directly rapid musketry firing was heard in 
tlu^ rear, and there was almost a ])anic. .Soon the way was jammed 
full ol soldiers on loot antl horse, and the cr)- was heard: "The 
"rebels are coming." After a little talking by the chaplain the 
boys fell back and then marched on as usual. It was only a scare 
on the part of the rear guard to rouse up the sleepers. It was 
successhil, as some can testify who came very near being "run 
down" by the stampeders. The morning soon came and re- 
vealed the largest number of soldiers who had fallen asleep by the 
wayside, seen at any time during the raid. Poor fellows, 
they looked completely worn out, but on being summoned to 
"wake up here, wake up, the rebels will catch you," they were 
soon in line, such as it was, marching on. Reached White Sul- 
phur Springs, another famous watering place, about si.x o'clock 
A. M., and halted about half a mile from the hotel stand near the 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



healing waters, although it is said it is not so much as an invalids 
resort that these springs are famous. One thing is sure, those 
famous springs never had more invalids in proximity to them 
than on that June morning, the 25th. Of course the boys said 
they were there tor their health and intended to stay until they 
fully recovered. Some of them began operations by making 
a "change of linen," waiting in the meantime for their garments 
to dry. Being shirtless for two or three hours was no hardship in 
view of the prospect of feeling clean once more. 

White Sulphur Springs is a beautiful post village of Greenbrier 
County, containing the principal mineral spring of Virginia, on 
Howard's Creek, two hundred and five miles west of Richmond, 
eighty from Lynchburg, and nine miles east of Lewisbiirg. It 
consists of buildings or cottages arranged in a circular form, with 
a large hotel located near the springs, at the lower end of the 
village. The springs are covered with a dome supported by twelve 
Ionic columns and crowned with a statue of Hygeia, the goddess 
of health, and a daughter of Esciilapias. The artist represents 
her as a virgin in flowing garments feeding a serpent from a cup. 
The poets speak of her as the smiling goddess. The springs are 
about two thousand f(;et above tide water and yields about thirty 
gallons per minute. This water was used for medicinal purposes 
at first in i 778; in 1820 the place had become a fashionable resort, 
and at the time of the visit of the Eighteenth Connecticut Vol- 
unteers, the buildings would accommodate from one thousand 
five hundred to two thousand guests. Tlie proprietors, no 
doubt, had not expected so large a company as Hunter's whole 
army, and of course were not prepared to entertain them. Indeed 
it was quite evident they did not relish the idea of so large a 
number of guests, as they did not remain at home to welcome 
them. This gave the boys the opportunity of discovery and 
helping themselves. The)- paid their respects to nearly every 
house and the hotel, and did not forget to drink of the "healing 
waters." A half day's stay, however, was hardly sufificient to 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 271 

secure all the advantages of the place, but the time was well im- 
proved, and not a few wished that "when this cruel war was over" 
they might come this way again. 

Now appear two cavalrymen riding, one on Col. Peale's horse, 
and the other on Dr. llolbrook's. The night before these chaps 
had stolen the horses, and as a kind providence would have it, 
they come riding very unexpectedly into the lines of the Eight- 
eenth. They were not a little "struck back" when they learned 
the real situation. However, the colonel and surgeon were 
highly delighted to see them, and especially their horses. I!ut 
the fellows did not steal them; Ol no, the)' only found them loose 
ovi the way and picked them up. Chaplain Woodford, of the 
Fourth Virginia Infantry, lost his horse in the same way, but he 
never was fortunate enough to find it again. If any man with- 
out a iiorse did not steal one on that raid or march over the 
mountains, if he had an opportunit)', he was a mighty honest 
fellow. On the whole, the rest at this famous place was quite 
eventful and interesting. It was ever so much needed to 
recruit the sick, weary, and sore-footed men. The march 
began to tell with fearful effect, but as yet not fatally. 
A great many had been transferred to the wagons and ambulance 
train. These conveyances were by this time crowded, and 
nearly all of the regiment looketl as though a rest of several 
weeks at the springs would be \ery beneficial. Among this num- 
ber was "Dick Ripley" the hospital steward. Poor fellow, he was 
reall)' sick, and so also was "Uncle Rufus," Company D, belong- 
ing to the surgeon's staff. He was nearly fagged out, and "David," 
Company B, grew as thin as a shadow, and the whole regiment 
began to look as lean as Pharaoh's lean kine. Even Col. Ely, 
Major Peale, Surgeon Holbrook and others on the staft appeared 
as though a little r(;st and mcjre hard tack would be highl)- ap- 
preciated. .SatLM-dax', lunc -'5th, until cdjoLit three o'clock 
P. M., was a mi-mor.djje da)' in the history of tlic regiment. 
\Vh(-n the order came to forward, it was exceeding b)' hot, and the 



272 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

beautiful valley seemed almost ablaze with the sun's heat. Passed 
on a few miles and struck the left bank of the Greenbrier River, 
by an unfrequented way. The bridge had been burned 
a little time before when Averill came this way to punish the 
rebels of Greenbrier County, as he did quite effectually. The 
destruction of the bridge, however, interfered with travel. The 
season being very dry, the river was quite low, and hence Hunter's 
army found it not very difficult fording. This the Eighteenth 
accomphshed about five P. M., and soon struck the railroad again. 
T hen began the climbing of mountains once more to reach 
Lewisburg. Arrived at this place about dark after one of the most 
wearisome marches of all as yet. Hills were frequent, rough and 
steep. Men became weary and sleepy. Those on horse- 
back were so tired they could hardly sit on their horses, and rode 
for miles in perfect agony, while the sufferings of the footmen 
were indescribable. It seemed that the order to hah that night 
would never come When passing through Lewisburg, some 
of the rebels vented their spite by firing from their houses 
and yards at the bo)s in the dark. Fortunately no one was 
hit. The rebels of Greenbrier County, were noted for their 
cruel hatred of Union soldiers throughout the war. but at this 
time they were more revengeful and inhuman than ever. Thev 
seemed to feel toward Gen. Hunter a peculiar spite because he 
was a Virginian, and spared no jxains to do all the harm they could 
this occassion. They bestowed on him all sorts of epithets, such as 
traitor, butcher, house burner and negro worshipper, and of 
course held his army in utter detestation andabhorrence. Between 
nine and ten o'clock that evening turned into a barren lot to the 
right and halted for the night. Tiie men having little to 
eat had nothing to do but lie down on the ground and go to 
sleep, e.xcept those on picket, and it would not have been sur- 
prising if the picket men slept that night. In fact for days before 
it was almost impossible to find men that could watch even for 
an hour at their post, so great was their fatigue. l'h(-re was 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 27-3 



scarcely a man in the rej^nmeiit that nii^ht but that was nearly 
famished with hunger, l^ven the officers lay down suoperless. 
Oh, the thoughts and dreams of "home." Loved ones there 
were very anxious about the wants and sufferings of husbands, 
brothers and sons in the arni)-, but what would they have 
suffered if they could have seen the "boys" at any time during 
that eventful week in the Alleghanies. God be thanked that 
they did not. 

June 26th, Sabbath. Resumed the march early over a hilly, 
difficult road. A most welcome visitor to-day came in a refresh- 
ing shower, the first rain for twenty-eight days. Never was a 
shower more gratefully hailed. It gave new life and strength to 
everybody, and was the precursor of a greater blessing, the arrival 
of a supply train from Gauley Bridge. Camped for the night at 
"Meadow Hluffs." The next da_\-, Monday, June 27th, was a 
memorable day. Marched until noon, halted in a dreary looking 
place, but it looked pleasant as here the supply train was wel- 
comed with cheers and shouts of joy. Once more hard tack was 
issued, the first time for nearly a week or more. The scene that 
followed was indescribable. The boys fairly danced with delight, 
and a large number, in a more sober way, expresseil their joy and 
thankfulness to Ood for succor afforded in such a peculiar time 
of need. Spent the night following here. The spirits of the men 
were high. The greatest danger of the whole raid was passed, 
that of famine. Tuesday, the 2Sth, marched to within eight 
miles of Gauley Bridge. Drew hard tack again. The danger 
now was in over eating, as was proved to be the case with niany. 

June 29th, on the march earl\-. The scenery was grand and 
imposing. Passed two great natural curiosities, one called the 
'Hawk's Nest," the other, "Lover's Leap," on the New 
River. The former was a ledge of rocks about one thousand one 
hundred feet high, from the top of which thoLisantls of soldiers 
gaz('(l with wonder uijon the surroundiiiL; sccnerw and cast stones 
into the river llowiiiL; at its base. llalt(;d hen- some twenty 



2 74 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



minutes. There is a romance connected with "Lover's Leap," 
the legend being that the daughter of a celebrated Indian chief 
had two suitors, and as usual, the daughter's choice was at 
variance with her father's. .A.t length, the daughter requested 
her father to meet her at a certain point on the New River, and 
she would give her final decision. He did so in company with the 
man of his choice. The surprise and wonder of the old chief was 
overwhelming when he arrived at the spot indicated to behold 
his daughter standing on the edge of a fearful precipice with him 
she loved by her side. She then expostulated with her father to 
yield in favor of her preference, threatening at the same time to 
cast herself into the river if he would not. While this parley 
was going on the rejected young man, who was concealed near 
the girl's father, let fly an arrow which pierced the heart of his 
rival, but as the latter was about to fall, his fair mistress caught 
him in her arms and with one super-human effort, leaped into the 
air and was dashed in pieces on the rocks below, thus preferring 
death with the man whom jealousy had murdered by her side, 
than to live in wedlock with the person whom she never could 
love. Of course a visit to these places was a real pleasure and 
gratified that feeling of curiosity for which Yankees are generally 
celebrated. \\\ a few hours arrived at Gauley Bridge, or the 
place where it once was. The bridge had been burned in the 
early part of the war, when Rosecrans drove Gen. Lee out ot 
West Virginia. On reaching the place, the infantr)- turned sud- 
denly to the right and after a half mile march forded the river 
where it was quite difficult to find fcjoting, the rocks being thick 
in the bed of the river. The wagons wf-re taken over near the 
usual crossing in a horse ferry-boat. It used up the remainder 
of the day to effect the crossing and wt- camped that night near 
the old battle-ground of 1S6:!. Thus in W\\ days thr regiment, 
with Himter's army, had performed one ol the most difi^i- 
cult and dangerous retreats of the war, marching about twent)' 
miles a day under a broiling sun, and in the face of appalling 




■-■C-^'.-^-'^'Ts - 



Lieut. ROBERT KERR. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, 2)1 



dangers from starvation and death, for days in succession. No 
soldiers were more painfully tried in their courage and powers of 
physical endurance, and still tht'y were patient, orderly, obedient 
and uncomplaining' in a wonderful degree. They had fought 
well, marched well, and suffered heroically. If Hunter had led 
them poorly and unwisely, it was no fault of theirs. Rather it 
was all the more to their praise that they discovered the best 
qualities of good soldiers under trying circumstances entirely 
be)ond their control. It was necessary for the salvation of 
Hunter's army that this retreat should be made. lrre(juired 
pluck to do it. No regiment in the command displayed that 
quality more than the Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. It is 
not known that a single man perished in the mountains. ,\ few 
were taken prisoners at the beginning (if the retreat, but none 
afterwards. But all the men, with hardly an e.xception, were 
thin, haggard and careworn on their arrival at Gauley Bridge. 
"Dick Riple)" was so extremely ill it was thought at one time 
he must die after he had escaped the dangers of the mountains. 
The liberal rations, after so many days of comparative fasting, 
were decidedly injurious, and stomach disorders prevailed verj 
extensively the ne.xt day after Gaulej- Bridge was reached. The 
medical supplies had been exhausted for several days, and there 
was great inquiry for medicine, but Dr. Holbrook was unable to 
lurnish the much needed supplies, and other surgeons were simi- 
larly situated. Of course there was some complaining under 
these circumstances. In fact, it is surprising that there was no 
more. U officers and men were nervous and even selfish, the 
wonder is that they were not more so. The writer at the time 
was surprised that the rank and file preserved such good spirits 
as the)' did. Had they been more surl)- and fault-finding, no 
one could have blamed theni, and it could have been easily ac- 
counted and apologized for. These were times that tried men's 
souls, their tempers, their patience and faith, and as a whole 
they stood the test well. They are good soldiers who endure 
hardships well. 



2 76 EIGHTEENTH RECHMENT 



After two days' rest at Gaule)' Bridge, in which the regiment 
was once more mustered for pay, and somewhat recruited, 
the order was given to march. Accordingly on Saturda)', |uly 2d, 
started for Camp Piatt, twenty-six miles away. .A,t noon, halted 
at a place called Tompkin's farm for a few hours. At this place 
it was said a sister of Gen. Grant resided and of course her house 
was made the headquarters of the command. Many of the boys 
professed to have seen the wonderful lady, but whether they did 
or not, or whether there was any such person, the stories answered 
ver)' well to give variety to the day's march, which proved to be 
an e.xtremely hard and tiresome one. It being very warm, and 
the boys having had a little reaction of physical energv after 
their escape from the mountains, the march was all the more 
wearisome and e.xhaustive. More than tlie usual number fell out 
of the ranks, and in a few instances men found refuge in the 
houses of loyal citizens by the way. The Eighteenth was now 
in the famous valley of "Kanawha." The citizens generally were 
friendly, and gave aid to the weary, sick soldier in not a few in- 
stances. The valley is narrow but the scenery is e.Kquisitelj- 
beautiful, the soil very pr(Kluctiv(i, and the mountains abound in 
coal and minerals. Much interest was elicited in passing several 
coal and oil wells. The fretpient railwa)s up the sides of the 
mountains showed that every one in that region had not gone to 
the war and that some were making money while the soldiers 
were marching on. Arrived at Camp Piatt about dark, and slept 
in the open air, after delivering up the teams and horses into the 
hands of the teamsters to be taken overland to Cumberland, 
nearly a hundred miles distant. It was a night of comparative 
quiet and rest. 1 he great march from Lynchburg was ended. 
The race, however, with Early for Martinsburg had but begun. 
Early by this time was well down the Shenandoah. 

July 3d, Sunday, remained at Camp Piatt until nearly noon 
waiting for transportation. At length two large double decked 
steamers arrived. 1 hese two-stor)' transports were a novelty to 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEJiRS. 277 



most of the boys, and their appearance excited no Httle interest. 
Camp Piatt is not much of a place, and if it had been there 
would not have been mtich business at sight seeing as the men 
were in a too depressed and dilapitlated condition to take much 
notice of anything but the transports which were to bear them 
away from the dismal place. Went on board about noon, eight 
companies on one boat, and two on another, and were not crowded. 
The passage down the Kanawha was \ery pleasant. The day 
being fine, and no dut)' to perform, the boys lay around and took 
things easy. Never did men nec-d rest more, and still the sudden 
change from hardship to ease, and from want to plenty, had its 
dangers and was attende'd with considerable sickness. \X sunset 
hauled up at a place called Charleston for the night, as the river 
was so low it could be navigated only by dayiigiit. About 
dark the bo)s gathered on the upper deck and had one of their 
old lashioned singing meetings. Their voices seemed to have the 
old Martinsburg ring to them, and the season was one of tender 
interest and filled the mind with thoughts of "home, sweet 
home." The rest of the night that followed was refreshing, if 
the boys did not repose upon a bed of down. The "soft side" 
of the deck floor was full hard enough for comfort. 

July 4th, Independence" Da}'. This one will never be forgotten 
by the Eighteenth. Very pleasant. Started early. The boys 
in excellent spirits. The country on each side beautiful, and 
near the river, rich and fertile. About noon arrived at Mount 
Pleasant, at the junction of the Kanawha and the Ohio. liightly 
named, it is a beautiful sjjot. bVom this point sailed down the 
Ohio four miles, to Oalliijolis, went on shore and remained about 
an hour. Many letters were sent home from this place. After 
looking about the place awhile went on board another boat and 
started up the Ohio. Passed Mount Pleasant again, also other 
places, viz: Middleport, Coal Point, Coal and Salt Works, Pom- 
eroy and Syracuse on the Ohio side, and Hartford on the Virgi- 
nia. All these were enterprising looking places and did not 



2 7<S EIGHTEENTH RECIMEN t 



show very much the effects of the war, especially on the Ohio 
side. Thrre was a marked difference between the appearance of 
the Buckeye State, and the sacred soil of Virginia. The people 
all along the line of the sail di 1 not forget it was the Fourth 
of July, and they made the "welkin ring" with their cheers and 
shouts of hearty welcome. At every landing, men, women and 
children crowded down to the shore, laughing, singing, clapping 
hands, waving handkerchiefs and cheering. At one place two 
companies of the regiment, as the boat stopped, were invited 
on shore to participate in a collation which had been prepared for 
the Sabbath School children. The children all fell back and let 
the soldiers have the first chance at the good things, and seemed 
delighted at the opportunity to show the brave boys this mark 
of respect. It is unnecessar\' to say that the boys could not re- 
strain from tears and thanks of joy for the kind demonstrations, 
and cheer after cheer was given for the little folks, and the good 
ladies, and for Independence Day. Surely, this was a day of in- 
dependence and joy to Hunter's raiders, and they were not slow 
in drawing their comparisons between the Ohioans and the 
Virginians. "This isn't New Market, nor Woodstock, nor 
Staunton, nor Lexington, nor Buchanan, nor Liberty, nor Salem; 
is it.^" "This is rather better tare than we got at the watering 
places in the mountains," and other like expressions were heard. 
The boat, containing most of the regiment, did not stop only at 
one place. The boys did not go on shore, but the people crowded 
as near as possible to the shore, and threw cakes and bread, and 
even pies to the men, amid th<-most heart) shouts of joy and wel- 
come. The boys responded most heartily with cheers and patri- 
otic songs, and really it was a big day indeed to them all, excep- 
ting those who were so sick they could not go on deck. A few 
miles above Hartford cast anchor for the night. Another quiet 
night of rest. None but those who had been marching for two 
months or more, night and day, can fully appreciate the quiet rest 
of that Fourth of July night of 1864. Tuesday, the 5th, started 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 279 

early, but proceeded only a little way and then stuck fast at the 
head of the river where there was an unlooked for hindrance at 
Rainsvvood, near "Biy Sandy Creek." Remained here all day and 
night. Now rest began to grow tedious. Men began to grow 
dull and stu[)id, and the sick more ill. George H. Locke, of 
Killingly, seemed to be almost in a dying state as he had been 
very sick for several days, and had to be fed with brandy 
and water out of a tea s|)Of)n to kcc|) the breath of life in him. 
On Wednesday morning a large number of the men went on 
shore, on the Virginia side, and walkeil a long way up the river, 
passing Buftington bar, and there waited several hours for the 
boat, which at length got alloat. The chaplain and a few others 
procured breakfast at a humble looking house on the bank of the 
river, consisting of corn cake and bacon. The people seemed 
friendly and disposed to do what they could for their visit<jrs. 
About noon the boat made its appearance, and in a short 
time all were on boart! again. Arrived at the island Blenner- 
hasset, of Aaron Burr fame, at four W M., and the river being so 
low, landed just above and immediately commenced to march on 
the road to Parkersburg, five miles away. The offi::irs, as well 
as privates had to foot it, as their h.orses, as before stated, had 
been sent overland from Camp Piatt. It was a delightful even- 
ing, however, to march, and the journey was accomplished 
easily, passing through a beautiful coi ntry about sunset. The 
inhabitants were friendly and seemed like New England people, 
and on incjuiry found this part of Ohio was settled originally by 
people from Connecticut. One of the most prominent citizens 
at that limt; was William Piatt Putnam, ,-ig(;d se\'cnty-three years, 
great grandson of Israel Putnam of Rcvohitionary fame-. Halted 
in front of his house a lung time The ok! man and his family 
were di:lighted to sec tin- Union l)o\s and to l>c introduced to 
Col. hly, Maj. Pcalc, Surgi-ou 1 loll)r(.)ok, the cha|ilain and 
othci' officers of the regin\ent. lie exhibited several relics <)( his 
gre,it grandt.ither, among which w.is a powder horn which he 



28o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

made at F"ort William IlLiiry in 1756, and a brass bullet mold 
which he used in the old French war. It was intimated that these 
relics properl)' belonged to the State of Connecticut, but the old 
man would not part with them, but some day it is hoped they 
may find a place in the Atheneum at Hartford. Arrivin;.;- at 
Parkersburg, found a train of box cars in waiting for us. Here, 
also, received another mail and news from home; although rather 
old it was really refreshing. Remained long enough to get a 
good supper, and read th(' letters from the loved ones far away. 
Left one or two sick men down the river in the care of 
detailed nurses, among them George H. Locke; and it is a won- 
der no more were left behind. About nine P. M. the box-cars 
were loaded with soldiers, well crowded. Some had a little straw 
for a bed, more would have hurt the bones of the boys less. Rode 
all night, arriving in Cumberland the next morning, and stopped 
an hour or more. Sent other men to the hospital. 

Thursda)', Jul)' 7th, rode two hundred and eighty miles 
through a wild and romantic country. The scenery of the Al- 
leghanies and along the Potomac was grand — the boys wakeful 
and cheerful. Arrivetl at Clu:rry Run, twenty miles from Martins- 
burg, and stopped for the night. ()\\ F"riday, moved on three miles 
down the railroad and camped at Back Creek. Here saw the 
mischief of the rebels who had beat us in the race for Martins- 
burg, The railroad Ijridge was destroyed and a part of Early's 
force was in possession of Martinsburg. Remained here over 
Sunday. In the meantime, clothing and shoes were issued to 
the men, who began to im|jrove in their personal appearance. 
A large number of the men had been barefoot for some time. 
Albert M. Lathrop, Company E, had marched the whole route 
barefooted, and never entered a wagon or ambulance to ride 
a step. He wore a number eleven shoe and none were issued of 
that size when the regiment left its base of supi^lies to go up the 
valley. He stood the long march well, in good Iv-alth all the time. 
The chaplain was taken suddi-nl)- ill here, and a religious service 



CONN EC TICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



was thereby prevented. "Dick l\ii)Iey." who was so ill at Gauley 
Bridge, was much better, and able to be on duty. 

Monday, July i ith, the regiment marched down the railroad to 
Martinsburg, and on the way discovered more work of the rebels. 
The officers had received, the day previous, their horses. These 
were taken along by the main traveled road most of the way, 
and the chaplain was able to ride in company with Surgeon Hol- 
brook. The people in Martinsburg were overjoyed to see the 
Union boys again, who had been absent seventy-three days. 1 he 
rebels had left that morning and retreated toward Winchester. 
The whole valle\- was in the possession of Early's forces, while 
himself, with his main arm\% was in the vicinit)' of brederick 
City. Md. Remained all da)-, jul\- 12th, in Martinsburg. The 
officers found that most of their baggage sent back from Cedar 
Creek in June had been captured l)y the rebel raiders and carried 
off. Hut few were excepted. Among this number was the 
chaplain, who had left an entire new suit in the care of G. W. 
Wysong, the postmaster. The Wysong family were ardent friends 
of the Eighteenth and showed them many favors. But it was a 
great mystery how they escaped the vigilance oi the rebels at 
that time. More than one of the regiment, however, were 
thankful that they did. Other families were etjually serviceable 
in this department. 

When the Eighteenth reached Martinsburg, on the afternoon of 
the 1 2th, it was hoped a few days of rest among their old iriends 
would be enjoyed. The regiment sadly needed it. Eor nearly 
seventy-five days they had been constantly on the move, and had 
grown weary and were wi)rn out with long marches, want and 
privations, and their ranks had In'en fearfully thinned by three 
battles. More than half of the number who had left Martinsburg 
to go up the valley were among the missing, either killed or 
wounded. It was no wonder the people on the streets inc^uired, 
as the Union army passcnl through, "What, is that the Eighteenth 
Connecticut? How changed ! They have seen pretty rough 



282 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

times. They look as though a little soap and water and some- 
thing to eat, a new suit of clothing, some new shoes and a little 
rest would not hurt them." The boys would like to have remained 
in Martinsburg long enough to have effected some of the needful 
changes here indicated. Rut this could not be. Early was 
threatening Baltimore and Washington, and Hunter must follow 
him up. Only three days before Early had beaten the 
Union forces at Monocacy Junction, and was marching on. But 
on the I 2th, the very day the Eighteenth arrived in Martinsburg, 
Frederick City was re-occupied by Union troops. Great excite- 
ment prevailed all through Mar)land and in the vicinity of the 
capital, and there was no time for the soldiers to rest. Conse- 
quently on the 13th the remnant of the Eighteenth was on the 
move again, and marched ten miles in the direction of Harper's 
Ferry under a scorching sun, and at night slept in a wheat field. 
Bundles of wheat were freely used for bedding, and on the whole, 
we were made quite comfortable. It was a beautiful night, 
the moon shining brightly. Ne.xt day passed on to the Ferry 
and crossed the Potomac on a pontoon bridge, and halted at 
night at Knoxville, near the canal. 

Friday, July 15th, marched down the Potomac about two miles, 
following part of the way the "tow path" of the canal, and then 
forded the river just above Berlin. This proved quite an exciting 
movement, especially the passage of the river, it being of con- 
siderable width and depth at this point. In some places the 
water was nearly waist deep. Many of the men stripped off their 
shoes and pants, carrying them on their backs. Even the officers 
who rode took off thrir boots and hung them on their saddles 
and rolled uj) their pants above their knees. The passage was 
very slow, the bed of the river being very stony. Every one had 
to look well to his feet that his footsteps "slid not." But in 
spite of the greatest care, now and then a poor fellow would make 
a plunge of considerable depth and a splash which "brought 
down the house" in roars of laughter, and tun and jokes were 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 28' 



the order of the <lay. Onr or two of the horses made missteps 
that resulted in i,nvino their riders a [jKinge which somewhat 
dampened tlieir "h'nen, " while others were in so deep the 
water came up half way to their knees, cooling them off finely. 
However, all agreed that on the whole the passage was quite a 
success as a wetting down and cooling off process. For a half 
hour afterwards the men were emjjloyed in dressing their feet, 
and drying their pants. Those who got their shoes and stockings 
wet, either purposely or otherwise, did not increase the comforts 
of the march that followed. It was a rough, hard looking place 
where the landing was made, and it seemed at first as though 
there was no way out. A little way from the river we came to one 
or two houses, where a few of the boys, and one or two offi- 
cers obtained some milk. Ask a V'irginia woman for bread 
and milk and she will bring in a pitcher of milk and a loaf 
of bread, and say: "Now help yourself." The idea does not seem 
to occur to them that a bowl and spoon will greatl)- facilitate, 
until it is suggest<'d. This latter mode of eating bread and milk 
seemed to be wholly a "Yankee notion." The writer will never 
forget how amused the women of the house seemed to be when 
some of her guests insisted on eating bread and milk with a spoon, 
out of a basin or bowl. 

When over the river and up the steep bank the line of march 
led directly through the rich Loudon valley. Had not gone far 
before it was evident there was an (;nemy near, and the prospect 
was fair for another fight. Speedily the advance began to skirmish 
with the rebels, and before night several captures had been made. 
Proceeded slowly as far as Hillsboro, camping about simset just 
west of the town for the night, and judging from the squealing 
heard in various directions, the proper name for this place would 
be "Pigville." Col. Thoburn, however, came to the rescue, and 
at onetime there was quite a squad of "pig-killers" in front of his 
headquarters, guarding the work of their own hands. It did 
seem a little too bad that the boys were interfered with in the 



284 EIGHTEENTII REGIMENT 



distribution of fresh pork rations that night. Hillsboro was rebel 
to the backbone — the headquarters of the guerrillas of Loudon 
County, of which Moseby was the "chief of sinners." There was 
every reason to believe that the citizens, and especially the 
women, were in full sympathy with the rebel thieves and cut- 
throats who had long annoyed the government authorities at 
Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg. The boys thought Col. Tho- 
burn was a little too lenient towards tliese fellows, and it made 
them angry to be put under guard for killing their pigs. On the 
whole this had been a ver)' lively day and the prospect was en- 
couraging for more lively times. 

At night there was a rumor in cam|i that the chaplain had been 
captured. He turned up all right, however, the next morning, 
having been well fed on "roast pig" at Col. Thoburn's headquar- 
ters in the meantime. 

Remained here half a day or more, during which time there was 
heavy artillery firing in the direction of the Potomac, and the 
Union cavalry brought in some twenty-live rebel wagons, and 
several prisoners. 

A large detachment of rebel infantry passed by Hillsboro un- 
molested, because Gen. .Sullivan was not in a proper condition 
to give orders, it was said, or his command was not in condition 
to make a successful fight. 

Gen. Sullivan was relieved as corps commander at this time, 
and Gen. Crook was put in command, who gave the order to 
move in the afternoon. Followed directly on the track of the 
retreating rebejs, arriving at a place called Furcellville, on the 
road to Snicker's Pord. Remained here all night, and slept in 
in a beautiful grove. 

The next day was Sunday, July 17th. A beautiful day. In 
the morning rations and some clothing and shoes were issued, but 
not enough of the latter to meet the demand, ihere were a large 
number of men barefoot, or in a worse condition, with shoes 
so extremely poor and hard they galled the feet of their 
owners. 




Lieut. FRAKCIS McKEAG. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 285 



At eleven o'clock a religious service was held in the camp, in 
which many of the second brigade participated. Chaplain 
Wocxlhull of the fourth division infantry, assisting the chaplain 
of the Eighteenth in the services. Very quiet through the day — 
the most quiet Sunday for three months. It was highly a|)preci- 
ated l)y officers and men. At dark the boys had one of their old- 
fashioned social singing meetings, and for a whole hour the 
woods rang with the sound ot vocal music. It was an hour of 
real enjox'ment, mingled with lender thoughts of the loved ones 
at home. "When shall we meet again?" Alas, there were several 
members of the regiment who would have been saddened to 
have had that question answen^d that night with reference to 
themselves. They had their last sleep that night. 

With Monday morning came the order again to move in the di- 
rection of "Snicker's Gap." About one hundred men, sick and 
barefoot, were sent back to Harper's Ferry, and the remainder of 
the regiment, less than one hundred in all, went marching on. 
The day was very hot, antl all along the way were seen traces of 
Early's retreat the day before, viz: dead horses and frixgments of 
broken wagons, etc. Things l)egan to look more serious, and 
every hour's march lesscmed the distance between conflicting 
forces. Earl)- had done a great deal of mischief in Mar\land and 
given "Old Abe" a good fright at the White House, but he was 
mortified and chagrined that he had not done more. Hunter's 
raiders had returned too soon for him, and the .Sixth Corps were 
between him and Washington. Matters began to look serious 
for the old Maryland raider, anil he moved off towards Winches- 
ter, but evident!)- watching his opportunity to strike a stunnincr 
blow at his pursuers. This was soon offered him. Having 
reached the west bank of the Shenandoah, he left a picket line on 
the river and moved his n-\ain force back into the woods and 
waited for the Yankee's approach. 

The advance of Gen. Crook passed the gap and reached the 
river betore noon and began to skirmish with the enemy at the 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



fording and at first it was said, the "firing was quite hot and 
rapid." It was evident the rebels intended to give battle if the 
Union force made the attempt to cross the river. When the 
Eighteenth arrived at the gap the scene was both inspiring and 
exciting. From that point could be seen the beautiful valleys of 
Loudon on the one hand, and the .Shenandoah on the other. 

While a Union battery was occupying the attention of the 
rebels, the Eighteenth, with the F"ifth New York Heavy Artillery, 
the Fourth Virginia and several other regiments were ordered 
to pass down the east bank of the -Shenandoah by a narrow cart 
path. The distance was more than a mile to a fording. A cross- 
ing was effected with littk; or no opposition, as the rebels lay 
back in the woods, half a mile away, in full view of Gen. Crook's 
operations. Ihey understood the ground and were pleased, no 
doubt, at the strategy oi Cien. Wright, which gave them a fine op- 
portunity to pimish the Yank(;es. An officer of the regiment 
remarked to the colonel of the Fourth Virginia, soon after the 
crossing was (iffected, that if the rebels understood the situation, 
they would not be slow in improving it to drive our little force 
back into the river. They tlid understand it, and it was not long 
before the}' began to show themselves. A strong line of skir- 
mishers was thrown out on the rebel right, which was met with a 
noble resistance by a similar line on our left. This move- 
ment was only a ruse to conceal the point of real attack on the 
right where the Eigliteenth was posted. At the .same time 
our skirmishers were driven back on to the main line, a heavy 
force of the enemy appeared on th(; right, completely flanking 
the Eighteenth, the line stretching out into the river to cut off 
more effectually our retreat. The Union line delivered several 
volleys into the advancing foe, but it was evident that some 
one had been out-generaled, and the order was given to re- 
cross the river. By this time the whole rebel line advanced rap- 
idly and in good order, and poured volley after volley into the 
retreating force. The fording was exceedingly difficult, and in 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 287 

the hurry of the momtnt many of the men rushed into the river 
regardless of the depth of the water, when in many cases the boys 
had to swim for their life, and quite a number struggled in vain, 
and at length found a watery grave. Other regiments, however, 
suffered more in this way than did the Eighteenth, who lost but 
few drowned, among which was Orderly Sergeant Thomas J. 
Aldrich, Company I). Mis body lloated at length down the river 
and was recovered b)' some of the citizens and buried. 

Most of the wounded were saved from falling into the hands 
of the enemy by recrossing the river. This was very difficult to 
do, and most of them had hair-breadth escapes. It was a sad 
time for the Eighteenth. Many of the officers and men had nar- 
row escapes, and it is surprising that no more of them were 
wounded, killed or drowned. At the commencement of the fight 
the officers sent their horses over the river and stood their chances 
of escape equally with the privatt-s. Col. El)' had a narrow es- 
cape, and other officers were in imminent danger. In this tight 
the regiment acquitted itself well. Although it was e.xposed to a 
cross-fire, still it did not waver, nor retreat until the order was 
given to recross. This was the only way to escape capture en- 
tirely, as the rebels greatly outnumbered the Union force and came 
on in a splendid line, in spite of a hot artillery fire, until they 
reached the river, a distance of nearly half a mile. After the re- 
crossing was effected, the Si.xth Corps came up a little too late. 
About this time a rebel battery opened upon the Union force 
with some effect, and would have done great harm if it had not 
been checkmated bv a battery of the Sixth Corps, which by a 
well directed shot blew up a rebel caisson. The darkness put 
an end to this artillery duel, and the regiment marched back near 
by Snicker's Gap, ami went into camp with heavy hearts. Again 
the tide of fortune had turned against them, but it was no fault of 
theirs, as they did all that men could do in the circumstances in 
which they had been placed, and obeyed orders when the men 
who planned the battle were alone re.sponsible for the results. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Col. Ely and other officers of the regiment wept that night at 
the useless slaughter and broken up condition of the regiment. 
"Boys," said he, "I am willing to lead you against an ec|ual, or 
even double your number of reb(;ls, but this being shut up in a 
slaughter-pen I cannot stand." The Eighteenth did not stack 
over sixty muskets on thai sorrowful night. Their dead were in 
the hands of the enemy, and some of the wounded, and this 
added to the sorrow of the occasion. The march of the morn- 
ing had been begun with [lerfect conhdence in Gen. Crook. He 
was a special favorite with all, and wherever he lead there was a 
general feeling that success vvouK! follow. The result greatly dis- 
appointed the officers and men generally, and all felt mortified 
and chagrined at the result. Rumor .skid that it was a plan of 
Gen. Wright, of the Si.xth Corps, who ranked Gen. Crook, to dis- 
grace th(^ latter. It would be hard to believe this if similar mean- 
ness had not been exhibited before by other officers under more 
trying circumstances. 

Julv igth was an extremely hot ilay. Remained in cam[) car- 
ing for the wounded and repairing damages. About twenty-live 
men who had been left at the ferry sick or shoeless rejoined the 
regiment here. The Thirteenth Connecticut, of the Nineteenth 
Corps, lay near all day, Ijut it was not generally known to the Eight- 
eenth. Surgeon Holbrook was very Inisyat the hospital through 
the day. i he wounded men, as a whole, were cjuite cheerful and 
hopeful. The work of the preceding day was severely criticised 
by all. Remained here until the next afternoon, when the 
wounded having been sent to the ferry the order came to advance 
again. Movc;d.down to a regular fording and crossed the riv- 
er in the midst of a terrible thunder storm. The rain poured 
down and tht: men were drenched, and suffered no little in- 
convenience the remainder of the day. Marched down the 
left bank of the Shenandoah to a beautiful grove or wood-lot 
nearly opposite the battle-ground of the day before. Details 
were made up to proceed to the battle-field in search of the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



Union dead. Found that the rebels, as usual, had outraged 
the dead, leaving them but half buried, feet and arms in some 
instances were left in full view and exposed to the sun and 
storms. It was a painful, sickening sight. It made one feel in- 
dignant and even revengeful toward the inhuman creatures who 
could be guilty of such acts of wicked barbarity. The rebels 
buried their own dead with more care, and it was not for want of 
time they did no better for their YcUikee foes. Everlasting in- 
famy will be attached to the memory of the rebel leaders who 
allowed the soldiery to treat with so much neglect and cruelty 
their patriotic opponents in war. For this reason alone their 
cause richly deserved defeat, utter annihilation, and it is no won- 
der it was so. Justice could not sleep while such atrocities were 
practiced by those who were pursuing a causeless war against 
their government. Camped at night in the woods. While 
here the regiment sent out a large foraging party, which 
brought in large quantities of ham and bacon. From a rebel 
farmer were taken a number of fine looking horses. A negro 
acted as a guide to the several places where produce of all sorts 
was stored away to elude the vigilaace of the men. It was 
quite amusing to se*^ them return to camp with their booty, 
making a marked display of the same. The boys thought 
that "nigger" was somewhat scared when he was called up 
and made to show them around that old rebel's premises in 
the dead of night. Rut the old planter himself was "some mad." 
However, he took things quite coolly under the circumstances. 
Several of our wounded men were found in a farm house not far 
away. Among them was R. Corey, of Company C. Poor fel- 
low, he was badly wounded in the ankle, but he seemed glad 
enough to be in the Union lines once more. The chaplain part- 
ed at this place with his old "tall sorrt-l," chaplain Woodhull, of 
the Fourth V'irginia, wanting him more than he did. "Sorrel" 
was a kind, faithful animal, had done e.\cell(int service, and if he 
could not run he was quite a "fast Walker," which was more than 



290 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

could be said of his rider. However, more than one man of ^he 
Eighteenth had occasion to cherish grateful remembrances of 
"old stiff sorrel" in their march over the mountains. It was not 
without some regrets that the separation took place, although he 
bore the Confederate "C." 

On July 2 1 St, after a good night's sleep in the woods, and 
an early breakfast, made ready for another march. Early had 
fallen back to, or below Winchester, and Gen. Crook was ordered 
to follow him up. The Sixth and a part of the Nineteenth Corps, 
that preceded the Eighth Corps over the river, for some reason 
had been ordered back toward Washington. The Eighth Corps 
was on the move again about eight o'clock \. M. Proceeded 
slowly toward Winchester. The day was very hot. Halted at 
Berryville, and some thought another fight might come off soon; 
in fact it was possible to have a brush with the enemy almost at 
any hour. The rebels were not far away, that was sure. .Ar- 
rived in Winchester about four P. M., passing over a portion of 
the battle-field of the year previous. The old stone house was 
pointed out in which Company H, with others, chartred and cap- 
tured a squad of rebels. As the Union forces passed through 
the streets of Winchester the people were unusually grave and 
silent, as they were sure of another fight soon, and such an event 
did not promise any good to them. Poor, rebellious Winchester, 
how it did suffer during the war. And still the Union army was 
received generally with more complacency than the Confederates. 
But most of the people had become weary and disgusted with 
both armies, and no wonder. Camped at night near the old mill 
at Kearnstown, two miles on the Strasburg road. Most of the 
regiment was on picket during the night, as it was evident the 
rebels were not far away. 

Saturday, 23d, the regiment was posted to the right of the 
Romney road in the woods, where they threw up defenses and 
lay quiet through the day until about four P. M. The regiment 
then advanced in line of battle across an f)pen licld into the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 291 



woods again; then filed left and halted. Remained here until 
near sunset. It was a fine place to rest, but for the fear of an 
attack. It was not quite satisfactory to leave the def(-nses for 
the open field. Passed the out-posts on the way. A cavalryman 
sat on his horse peering into the woods as though he expected to 
see the rebels every moment. The situation just then was con- 
sidered dangerous, and still some circumstances attending it were 
a little ludicrous and even laughable. Another view of the situa- 
tion was very painful. The Eighteenth had only about one 
hundred and twenty-five men in line. Not two years before 
the roll was nine hundred strong on this very ground. Then 
when the regiment advanced on the rebel line it was taken for 
a brigade. Now in comparison they made but a corporal's guard. 
About sunset this fragment of a regiment returned to their 
camp near the mill, but if' was the^general expectation that the 
rebels might send their usuaPcompliments to the Union men at 
any moment. Up to this time the latter never had met with 
much success in fighting around Winchester. The rebels had 
every means of knowing the full strength of the Yankee force, and 
then out-number them and drive them back. 

July 24th, the regiment left camp about eight A. M., and 
returned to their position of the previous day, and remained in 
line of battle four or five hours; then took up a position in ad- 
vance on the west side of the Strasburg road, well on to New- 
town, where there was a brisk skirmish in progress. It was evi- 
dent the rebels meant to fight, and the position was very excit- 
ing. The main line began to advance, and soon was under fire, 
the Eighteenth being on the right and not a little exposed. 
Sergeant Hillard, in command of Company E, wfis wounded. 
The command was ordered to lie down behind a rail fence, at 
the same time keeping up a brisk fire upon the enemy. About 
four P. M. the rebels made a furious attack upon the left and 
cemtre; the latter point was defended by Maryland and Virginia 
troops, and some New York troops under Col. Mulligan, who 



292 l£IGHTEENriI REGIMENT 



foug;^ht Early at Monocacy Junction a week or two before. A 
gallant defense was made here, but the rebels flanked them and 
poured upon their line a destructive enfilading fire and the 
men fell thick and fast. The line wavered, fell back, fighting 
and contesting every inch of ground. It was an awful crisis, and 
the sight was one of the saddest of the campaign. The writer 
will never forget the sorrowful impressions of that hour. He was 
sitting on his horse between his own regiment and a Maryland 
battery, the latter occupying an eminence from which the move- 
ments of nearly the whole line were visible. P>om this point 
the rebel flank movement was in full view, as when first discov- 
ered. An officer, an aid of Col. Thoburn, exclaimed very excit- 
edly: "Good God, they have broken the centre!" A retreat 
was ordered. Then the rebels came down upon the whole line 
in great fury. However, the retreat was efTected in good order, 
the left wing being pressed the hardest, while the centre and 
ricrht wing were closely followed, being subjected to "right smart 
shelling" from the enemy. The retreat of the right wing was at 
the left of Winchester, passing over the ridge west of the place, 
and near the forts where Milroy fought so desperately the year 
before. The Eighteenth was familiar with every inch of the 
ground. Col. Ely and his brave men felt sad to be obliged to 
retreat again from this spot of exciting memories. lUit there 
was no help for it." The rebels sent their compliments thicker 
and faster, and the shells screamed louder and louder. Just 
above the town, and nearly opposite Fort Jackson, a large shell 
fell exactly in the line of the regiment, another struck the 
horse of Col. Thoburn on the hip, and strange to say the col- 
onel escaped unharmed. A fragment of shell, after hitting and 
bending his musket, struck Corporal William H. Boyden, of 
Company H, and produced a bad flesh wound in the thigh. He 
would have been made prisoner but for the efforts of Job Metcalf, 
of the same company, who seeing the perilous situation of Boy- 
den declared he would not leave him, although entreated to save 



CONNECTICUT VOLVNTET.RS. 293 



himself, but would share his fate. With his assistance Boyden 
hobbled into the woods, two miles toward the mountain, where 
they both concealed themselves the following night in the bushes 
and thus escaped capture. 

The second day they left their places ©f concealment in search 
of a human habitation, and at length came to the residence of a 
Mr. Baker, who, standing at his gate, saw the Union sol- 
diers coming, and exclaimed: "There comes another of God's 
poor unfortunates," and his eyes filled with tears as Corporal 
Boyden approached and told his story. He then invited the 
strangers into his hf)use, where hi.s wife and daughter prepared 
for them a good supi)er. Mr. Baker then conducted them to a 
place of concealment in a clump of bushes which proved to be 
their home for the next eighteen days. During all this time he 
carried food to them every day, and they obtained water from a 
spring near at hand. Rebel scouts passed their place of conceal- 
ment several times, and once or twice it seemed as though they 
would surely discover them. They had no visitors, however, but 
Mr. Baker's family, excepting an old hen with a brood of chick- 
ens, and a copperhead snake which they discovered crawling past 
their feet one day. The former visitor seemed determined at 
one time to quarter her whole family on these Y'ankees, but at 
length was frightened away. 

On the nth uf August, Boyden and Metcalf, learning that 
Sheridan had driven the rebels through Winchester, bade Mr. 
Baker's family an affectionate farewell, found conveyance to 
Martinsburg, and went to the post hospital and were admitted. 

While the rebels kept up the shelling, the rebel cavalry made 
a furious charge on the right of the retreating line, driving back 
the main cavalry in great confusion, as the infantr)' were ap- 
proaching the old battle-ground at -Summit Point. This hap- 
pened just after sunset, and produced a panic among the battery 
men and teamsters. The former left several guns in the road, 
and some ot the teamsters cut their horses from their wagons 



^94 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



and left loads of shoes and other suppHes to be captured. But 
the infantry kept cool and did not share the fright of the runa- 
ways, but helped themselves to shoes as they marched along, 
and seized the abandoned guns and drew them by hand to a 
place of safety. 

The line of retreat was at the left of the pike, which jwas fol- 
lowed until they reached Bunker's Hill. At this place a halt 
was made, and the troops rested several hours between/rnidnight 
and daylight. About this time it began to rain, and Ae retreat 
was resumed for several miles. Arrived at Martj/fsburg about 
nine A. M. The rain had ceased and the sun shone bright and 
hot. The streets of Martinsburg were crowded with soldiers, 
many of whom had lost their regiment during the night. While 
order was being restored, the lost men were finding their respect- 
ive regiments, and the pursuing rebels w('r<> shelling the town. 
Previous to this the regiment halted above the town on the 
Williamsport road. The whole retreating force was soon in mo- 
tion, the Eighteenth having in charge a wagon train. For a few 
miles the teamsters were in great fear, and there was danger of a 
panic. The chaplain pleaded with the wagon-master, or officer in 
charge of the train, to make an effort to allay the fears of his driv- 
ers, but all to no purpose. He seemed to be as much beside him- 
self as any one; rode on with his teams pellmell.and was soon out 
of sight. Under the circumstances it was impossible for the in- 
fantry to keep pace with the teams, and their escort was left for 
awhile at a respectful distance in the rear. Hut when th(^ train 
reached "Falling Waters" there was more order in the retreat. 

Arrived at the Potomac, opposite Williamsport, about six P. 
M., and spent the night, the teams only fording the river. One 
or two of the officers of the Eighteenth crossed the river in search 
of the regimental wagons, but did not succeed in finding them. 
The men generally had to look out for themselves, and were as 
tired and hungry as they had been at any time on the raid. 

July 26th, forded the Potomac and marched down the river 




Hose. Stev.'ari, J. DICKINSON RIPLEY. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 295 



road toward Harper's Ferry. Camped at night near Sharpsburg, 
Md. Next day proceeded to Harper's Ferry, and from thence 
passed on through Sandy Hook to Pleasant Valley, and went 
into camp. Here the regiment received another mail, which 
gave general satisfaction. About four P. M., on the 28th, 
command was given to march back to Harper's Ferry, and then 
to Halltown, four miles on the road to Charleston. Remained 
at this place Frida\', the 29th, and received another mail in the 
meantime. 

Col. Ely having been made brigade commander, the command 
had devolved upon Maj. Peale, but Gen. Hunter, having taken 
umbrage at the major for telling some of his staff at the Ferry the 
simple truth about the sufferings and privations of the men on 
the raid to Lynchtjurg, put the major under arrest. Every man 
of the regiment, and many others who knew the circumstances 
of the affair, felt indignant at Gen. Hunter for his unjust, arbi- 
trary and wholly uncalled for proceedure. However, it gave the 
major an opportunity to rest, and he needed it as well as the 
whole regiment. He had been a faithful and efficient officer 
through a most hazardous and important campaign. No charge 
prejudicial to his honor or bravery was preferred against him or 
could be. He was brave and patriotic, and shared the esteem 
and confidence of his fellow officers, and indeed of the whole 
regiment. He had offended his chief, not by any criticism on 
the campaign, but by simply telling what he knew to be true with 
reference to his own regiment. This was all; he never had any 
trial, and after a few weeks was restored to his command without 
the least shade of dishonor resting upon his character. 

During his absence Capt. M. Y. B. Tiffany, of Company E, 
was in command. He issued his first order at Halltown, July 
30th, and on the same day marched the regiment througli Harp- 
er's P'erry in a general move of the Eighth Corps into Maryland 
in search of Early's raiders, who had gone north as far as Penn- 
sylvania. This movement was unexpected and requiretl dispatch. 



296 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Passed through the ferry at three P. M. It seemed hke 
the hottest day of the season, and as the regiment passed 
through Sandy Hook the heat was awful. Men of other regi- 
ments had fallen out by the hundreds, and the roadside was com- 
pletely lined with prosprate men, many of whom were sun-struck, 
and a few seemed to be in a dying state. Their comrades were 
throwing water on the heads of the sufferers and doing all in 
their power to prevent the fatal effects of the heat. For miles 
the same sad sight was seen, soldiers suffering intensely in 
great numbers. The Eighteenth suffered not a little with 
other regiments. At no time during the raid did the regiment 
appear to so great a disadvantage. Certainly it had not suf- 
fered more, or was in greater danger from the heat. The writer 
will never forget that lonely, disastrous march. It seemed 
more lonely because of the absence of so many familiar faces, 
both of the rank and file. The absence of Col. Ely, Maj. Peale 
and Surgeon Holbrook from the head of the regiment made a 
great vacancy. Capt. Mathewson and Lieut. Bixby, and other 
wounded officers, were necessarily absent, and it really seemed 
that the Eighteenth Connecticut was about used up, as there 
were less than one hundred men all told. 

Camped at night at FSankesville, twelve miles from the Ferry. 
No sooner was the order given to halt than it seemed almost as 
if every man laid down and went to sleep instantly. The ne.\t 
day was Sunday. We rose early, and after breakfast went 
marching on. This last day of July proved hottest of all, and 
before twelve o'clock there was not a company in line of march 
in the whole brigade. The officers who rode could not withstand 
the scorching heat, and fell out nearly as soon as the men on 
foot. There was no help for it, as the men were completely 
overcome and prostrated. Lieut. Caruthers was stricken down 
and left at a private house, and was supposed to be in a dying 
condition, but he finally recovered and joined the regiment after 
a few days. Most of the regiment at length found refuge in a 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 297 

grove at the left of the road. No more marching,' was done that 
day until six o'clock in the evening, when we proceeded about 
three miles and halted for the night. The men looked more sad 
and weary than ever. 

There was a great deal of complaint among the officers and 
men, and it was hardly possible to help it. The regiment was 
nearly exhausted before leaving Harper's Ferry, and then to 
march two such days as the last two was calculated to crush the 
life out of the men, who lay down sick and completely discour- 
aged that night. Among others, the chaplain was sick — the first 
time he had shown any signs of giving out — and Col. Ely and 
Surgeon Holhrook, at brigade head-quarters, were not in much 
better condition. The general complaint was "we are about 
used up." The chaplain at a late hour found lodgings at a farm 
house with a very fine family, who did everything for his health 
and comfort in their power. 

Next morning, August 1st, we were on the march again early, 
and marched to the mountains, and went into camp at a place 
called Wolfsville. It seemed refreshing to get into the woods, 
and find some protection from the burning sun, and there was a 
fine stream of water near by which added much to the comforts 
of the place. Remained here two days; the men lay down under 
the trees and took things easy, and it was the first real rest they 
had enjoyed for four weeks. They were delighted bathing in 
the brook, eating and 'sleeping, and it was a good time generally, 
in which the weary became rested, and the sick grew better. 
The chaplain was quite sick the first day at this place, but was 
much better the second. If the regiment could have remained 
here a week it would have been a great benefit to all. But the 
rebel raiders had burned Chambersburg, in Pennsylvania, and re- 
turned to Virginia another way, carrying their booty with them. 
It was said the present movement was made to interce|it the 
raiders, but it seemed as much a plan to evade them as anything. 
Early was having things prett\- much his own way, and Hunter 



298 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

had marched his men out of his way nearly to death to let him 
continue unmolested. Matters had come to a serious pass in 
the valley of the Shenandoah, and were growing no better. 
Wolfsville was a fine place for reflection on one's ways, but not 
much of a place in which to fight rebels. The situation was per- 
fectly ridiculous, and provoked many a witticism at Gen. Hun- 
ter's expense. 

August 3d. Made another move and marched to Monocacy 
Junction, four miles below I^'rederick City. The passage over 
the mountains was delightful, the scenery grand and imposing, 
The people in Frederick City came out in crowds to see the men, 
and showed them great kindness. Some came with pails of 
water, women came out with loaves of bread and pitchers of milk, 
and many of the men had a good time of it and will never forget 
the good people of that staid old Union town. The place itself 
seemed more like a Yankee town than any in all Maryland, and 
the men were loud in its praises. 

There was a large post hospital here at the time, and several 
of the regiment were here sick, or detailed on duty. It was a 
good place, as many of the regiment can testif)-. 

Forded the Monocacy River and went into camp about one 
mile below in a lonely place. Remained here Thursday and 
Friday, August 4th and 5th; in the meantime had a visit from 
Gen. Grant. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 299 



CHAPTER XIV. 

GEN. SIIERI1I.A.N IN COMMAND. 



Gen. Hunter was removed, and the Eicrhth Corps became 
a part of the command under Gen. Phil. Sheridan. The 
change was generally satisfactory, although it was the universal 
conviction that it meant hard marching and harder fighting. 

Received another mail here on the second day, and towards 
evening the whole command was drawn up in line to witness the 
shooting of a deserter. Being just at night, and quite dark, the 
poor victim of his own folly could hardly be seen from the point 
the Eighteenth occupied. It was a most solemn and impressive 
scene. No doubt the time was chosen more especially tor its 
effect; at least so it seemed. 

August 6th. As evidence that "Little Phil." was in earnest, 
the order came early in the morning to march to Harper's Ferry, 
and the regiment was on the move again in the midst of a 
pelting rain. The chaplain, being too ill to march, was sent back 
to Fretlerick City in an ambulance. 

It proved a hard day for the regiment, as the road was very 
muddy. It cleared up during the day; still the march proved 
very tiresome. During the whole campaign thus far there 
had been but little rain. The season had been uncommonly 
dry, and the regiment had not been compelled to march scarceh' 
a mile in the rain. Reached Sandy Hook at night, and camped 
at Pleasant Valley. 



300 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

The next day was Sunday, pleasant and warm. Lay here all 
day and it was truly a day of rest. On the afternoon of Monday, 
the regiment was ordered to Halltown again, and went into 
camp on the north side of the town, near the railroad. 

Thus had the Eighteenth passed through Harper's Ferry for 
the eighth time since the 20th of March previous. Arriving 
this time the regiment had traveled, in one way and another, 
nearly two thousand and five hundred miles in nine different 
states, participated in five battles, and reduced its numbers from 
five hundred strong down to less than one hundred men, all 
told, fit for service. No regiment perhaps in the whole Union 
army had a more varied experience, and suffered greater expo- 
sures, with greater losses in the same time. 

If the Eighteenth did have an easy time, as many said, thp first 
nine months of service-, it must be confessed they suffered enough 
the remainder of their time to make up for it. 

It is hardly possible that an)' regiment could have suffered 
more during the campaign of 1864. The friends of this regi- 
ment would have been greatly amazed to have looked into 
their camp on the 9th day of August. Few m numbers, tired, 
jaded and dispirited, not a commissioned staff officer present, 
Col. Ely and Surgeon Holbrook still on brigade dutv, Maj. Peale 
on a leave of absence to gratify the spite of Gen. Hunter, and 
the chaplain sick at Frederick Cit)'. Such was the fate of the 
Eighteenth Connecticut Regiment. 

Capt. M. V. B. Tiffany in command, however, was doing all 
he could to maintain the dicipline and efficiency of the remnant 
of the regiment, and under the circumstances it appeared well, 
and was prompt in the perlormance of its duty. 

August 10th. Left Halltown and marched up the right bank 
of the Shenandoah River for several miles, and thence across the 
country to Berryville, and went into camp. The day was ex- 
tremely hot, and several of the men fell out from the heat, and 
their sufferings were greatly increased from the want of water. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 301 



The springs were dry from the continued drouth, and this state 
of things made it a serious business to march across the country. 
The next day we left Berryville and advanced in line of battle 
all day, skirmishing with the rebels for fifteen or twenty miles. 
There was much suffering on this march for the want of water. 
Water! water! was the cry through the day. 

Gen. Early was evidently retreating up the valley for the pur- 
po.se of drawing Gen. Sheridan from his base of supplies. Little 
Phil., however, did not seem afraid to follow him up, which he 
did closely. 

On the 12'th, we marched direct for Cedar Creek, where the 
.regiment halted about noon for rations in the woods. There 
AA!as severe skirmishing across the creek, and a battle seemed 
inevitable. 

At night the regiment was marched to the left of the pike, 
formed in line of battle, and was on picket through the night, ex- 
cepting Company C, which remained in position with the colors. 
Reiuained here four days. In the meantime a part ot the Sixth 
Corps carried the creek, and drove the rebels back on Strasburg; 
at the same time brisk skirmishing was going on across the 



river. 



On the 15th, the regiment was in line of battle all tlay. All 
quiet on both sides. The next day the regiment lay near the 
Creek, and all was quiet as the day before. 

It was now Little Phil.'s turn at a strategic movement. Hence 
he began to retreat slowly on Winchester the evening of the 
1 6th. We marched all night, passing through Middletown, 
Newtown and Winchester. At the latter place stopped about 
three hours, and then passed on to Berryville on the evening of 
the 1 7th, very much fatigued. 

August 18th. It rained all day and we marched six miles to- 
ward Charlestown, and went into camp in the woods near a large 
cornfield; it was a very uncomfortable day. 

Remained here until the morning of the 20th. Lieut. Hinckley 



;o2 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



returned to the regiment. He had been absent since the depart- 
ure of the regiment from Staunton, on its way to Lj'nchburg, 
from a wound received at Piedmont. His return was a source 
of pleasure to Company C, of which lie again took command. 

August 26th. Marched to near Charlestown and went into 
camp. The next day, Sunday, took up a position a little west of 
the town and formed in line of battle near the Smithfield pike. 

The ruse of Sheridan was working well. The rebels were fol- 
lowing him up, and to-day there was severe skirmishing again in 
front. The rebel artillery opened on our main line, and for a 
short time the shelling was severe and sharp. The shells just 
reached us but did no harm. The work of the day was the con- 
struction of rifle-pits, in expectation of an attack of the enemy in 
force. Before daylight next morning the regiment fell back to 
near Halltown, and formed in line of battle, while the skirmish- 
ing was hot and sharp. 

Remained in this position four days. In the meantime the 
third brigade of the Eighth Corps advanced on the rebels and 
after severe fighting we drove them back on Charlestown. The 
chaplain returned but was not able to remain, and went to the 
hospital at .Sandy Hook. These were days of great excitement, 
and a great battle was every day expected, until the rebels fell 
back of Charlestown on the 27th. 

On August 28th there were still lively times at the front. 
Our brigade was ordered through Charlestown, and camp was 
made on the south side of the town. Brisk skirmishing all day 
between the pickets. For the next six days we lay in this vi- 
cinity. The weather was pleasant. One day was spent in pick- 
et duty at the front by the whole regiment. The duty was not 
hard, but the men were obliged to keep their eyes open, as the 
rebels were near, and likely at any hour to pay their usual 
compliments to the hated Federals. 

September 3d was a gala day with the regiment, it being 
pay-day. Most of the men received six months' pay, and felt rich 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 303 



once more. But what should they do with so much money while 
in such close proximity to the rebels? If they were led into bat- 
tle the chiinces were that they niiijht be relieved of their pocket 
books to the advantaL^e of the enemy. The rebels cursed the 
Yankees whenever they had an opi)ortunity, but they loved 
'•greenbacks," and were glad enough to get them. 

While the men were rejoicing over their good luck and tat 
purses, the order came to march toward Berryville. .\bout lour 
P. M. halted and began to put up tents. But this order was 
soon countermanded, for the pickets were being driven in on 
the Winchester road, and a battle was imminent. The regi- 
ment was soon marching in line of battle toward the front. 

The whole of our corps formed in line of battle on both sides 
of the Winchester pike, a little west of the town, the regiment 
being on the right of the line. The enemy opened on the 
whole line with a tierce artillery fire for a short time, and then 
the infantry charged with great fury, forcing back our line 
about one hundred yards. At this point a determined stand was 
made, a counter-charge executed, and the rebels fell back. A 
constant fire was kept up until dark. The regiment lay in line 
of battle all night, and for several hours it rainetl (|uite hard. 
The discomforts of the night added very much to the fatigue 
and hardships of the day. There was but a handful of men, 
as it were, on duty, and the.se were poorly prepared to perform 
such severe and crushing service as the fortunes of the day de- 
manded. Before daylight, however, we were on the move again, 
and falling back about four miles were drawn up in line of bat- 
tle on the left. Company C being detailed to guard a wagon 
train about a mile in the rear. There was severe skirmishing all 
day. 

September 5th. Coinijany C was still in charge of the train, 
and the remainder of the regiment hard at work in ritle-pits 
at the front. . At night there was another rain storm and it was 
quite cold. 



304 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The next day Company C was relieved from guarding the 
wagon train, and joined the regiment at the front. It was not 
long before this company was ordered out on picket duty, with 
our cavalry only a little way in advance of them. It was a 
wet, cold and exciting day. The rebels seemed to want to fight, 
but did not risk a battle. September 7th, the Eighteenth was 
together again and lay behind rifle-pits most of the day. On the 
8th. the regiment did another hard day's work for their country, 
marching to Summit Point, on the right about six miles, in line 
of battle, through rain and mud, and then went into camp. 

September gth. By way of variety, had company drill in the 
foreTioon, and battalion drill in the afternoon, and dress-parade at 
evening, but it is needless to say the regiment was so reduced in 
numbers it made rather a sorry appearance. The ne.xt two days 
it rained almost incessantly. 

In the meantime an order was received to report to Col. Rogers, 
the commander of the post at Charlestown, who assigned the 
regiment to picket duty for the protection of the trains. 

September 13th. Our wagon trains fell back to Hallto\vn,and 
the regiment was placed in charge of a portion of it. Pleasant 
all day. 

At night went into camp as usual. On the 14th, the regiment 
was quiet all day. This rest was greatly enjoyed by the men, 
who employed their time in telling stories and writing letters. 
The 15th was very pleasant with no special incidents. On the 
17th, there was quite an excitement, as Gen. Grant passed 
through the town for a conference with Sheridan. Of course 
everybody was astir, anxious to see the great general and to know 
what was coming. It was the general opinion that this unexpected 
visit meant work and fighting. 

Gen. Grant had begun to grew uneasy, it was said, about 
Shf>ridan's movements in the valley. There had been a whole 
month of marching and countermarching, and almost constant 
skirmishing with the enemy with varying results. This state of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 305 



things could not remain so much longer. The conference proved 
of great importance to the Union cause, for it was on this occa- 
sion that General Grant gave his permission to "Little Phil, to 
go in." 

It was evident to a casual observer that affairs were about to 
assume a more serious and positive aspect. There had been too 
much boys' play — "marching up the hill and marching down 
again. " Sheridan and Early had been simpU' trying each other's 
strength and wisdom in strategic movements. The constant 
change of position and bad weather had imposed a hard and try- 
ing service on the men. and they began to grow uneasy and dissat- 
isfied with the situation. The cavalry portion of the army of the 
Potomac found the -Shenandoah valley a hard road to travel, 
Gen. Early having made them a great deal of trouble, some of 
whom were "swearing mad." The writer recollects meeting one 
of the Potomac cavalrymen after a severe brush with the rebel 
infantry in the direction of Martinsburg, in which engagement 
the Union forces came near being gobbled up, and had been 
driven across the Potomac River pellmell. He was swearing like 
a pirate. Among other things he said: "This Shenandoah valley 
is the d — dst place I ever got into; indeed it is." "And you 
have found it out, have you?" said I. "I am glad you have 
found it out at last. You Potomac boys have been thinking 
that it was only boys' play to fight the rebels up here, and have 
ridiculed our little corps for its ineffective campaigns, for its fruit- 
less marches and counter-marches in the valley, and now I am 
heartily glad you are satisfied that this country is a very difficult 
place for military operations, because it is favorable for tiank 
movements." It was by just such a movement that his regi- 
ment had lost heavily and came very near being captured a day 
or two before. After this conversation the cavalryman rode off 
in haste and apparently in thought. 

At this time Gen. Early was entrenching himself between Ber- 
ryville and Winchester, preparing as well as he could for the 



3o6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



shock which was evidently at hand. Sheridan evidently hastened 
it. When the sun went down on that iSth day of September, 
1864, Gen. Early's prospect of success had passed forever; the 
decisive moment had come, and Sheridan was ready to "go in." 
Col. Hly, having been in the service three years and seven 
months, resigned his commission, took a cordial leave of his 
regiment, and returned home to fulfill an engagement more 
pleasant and perhaps more important than any he had partici- 
pated in during all the time of his service in the Shenandoah 
valley. Those who understood the situation warmh' congratu- 
lated the colonel on his success, both in the field and at home, 
and although they parted with him with regrets, still they 
wished him abundant success in his "home campaign." On 
taking leave of his command. Col. Ely made the following parting 
address to the men, which was received with unfeigned sorrow 
and tender memories of the stirring events in which they had 
participated during the term of their united service in western 
Virginia. 

HEAH-Ou.VKl'liRS Eli.iriKK.XTH CONNECTICUT \'oLUNTEEI-S. ) 

Cii.vKi.EsixjwN, Va., September 20th, [6(34. f 

To THE OeKICERS and SoLDIEKS of ITIE ElGHTEENlTI CON- 
NECTICUT V^ U.UNTEEKS: 

I believe the campaign in the Shenandoah valley is at an end, 
and that your remaining term of service will be free from such 
arduous marches and sanguinary battles as have fallen to your 
lot during the past campaign. At Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's 
Eord. Winchester, Cedar Creek and Bcrryville you have borne 
a noble part in the contest for Union and liberty, and earned a 
title for valor which none can dispute. As your commanding offi- 
cer I thank you for your prompt and cheerful obedience to orders 
at all times. When foot-sore and weary with marching, and when 
advancing under the fire of artillery and musketry to meet the 
enemy, you have with undaunted spirit executed your orders to 
the letter, although you have suffered the loss of many of your 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 307 

best officers, who are held as prisoners of war; and although you 
have been reduced by the casualties of battle to one-half of 
the number with which you entered upon this campaign, you 
yet maintain an efficient organization, and are able to cope with 
an equal number of the best forces of the enemy. Although 
separated from you, I shall watch your career with affectionate 
interest, feeling confid(*nt that you will ever sustain the reputa- 
tion for bravery and honer which is now yours. 

That you may soon return to your homes to enjoy a victorious 
and honorable peace, and that 1 may be one of the many who 
will give you a warm welcoine, is the hope of 

Wm. G. Ei.v. 

To this admirable .address Capt. M. V. B. Tiffany, command- 
ing the Eighteenth, responded in substance, as follows: — "In 
your retirement. Col. Ely, to civfc life, our best wishes go 
with you. Crowned with military glory, honored and respected 
by all who know you for your pure and patriotic devotion to the 
interests of vour country, and for your earnest zeal in crushing 
out those who have dared to raise their hand to overthrow our 
government, ma)' )()ur social life be as peaceful and happ)' as 
your military lif(^ has been glorious and honorable." 

While this important change was being effected, Sheridan had 
fought a great battle with Gen. Early, routed his whole ami)-, 
and sent the defeated cohorts of Rebellion "whirling through 
Winchester" in fear and dismay. The regiment was under 
arms all day in charge of a wagon train, but at the same time 
wen- held in readiness for more active service if it should be 
needed. It was a day of wonderfid excitement. The 19th day 
of September, 1864, will ever be a memorable day in the history 
of the cotmtry, as well as in that of the Eighteenth Connecticut. 
The tide of Rebellion in the Shenandoah valley now began to 
recede and flow with fearful effects toward the rebel capital. 
The regiment did its part that day in effecting this object. 
If not at the front in a valiant fight, it yet remained by the 



3o8 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

"stuff," and hence its part of the victury was as important as of 
those who obeyed orders in another part of the field. It did good 
service where it was, for the protection of wagon trains imposed 
no light service in Sheridan's command, during the rapid move- 
ments of the army to defeat and destroy a vigilant enemy. 
Picket duty, or guarding trains, was earnest business at that 
time, as Moseby and Gilmore improved each opportunity to 
capture every train that was not strongly guarded; and Sheridan 
was not a little annoyed by their prompt and vigorous move- 
ments, by which they had become a terror to Union guards and 
pickets. 

Sheridan had no idle soldiers in his department when there was 
anything to do, and just then the times were unusually lively and 
interesting. 

He had done his work with such dispatch and completeness 
thus far that it made the authorities at Washington and the 
people of the North fairly into.xicated with wonder and delight. 
He had gone in to win, and had won one of the most important 
battles of the war. The blow which sent Gen. Early up the val- 
ley in a whirlpool of confusion and destruction gave, fresh cour- 
age to the friends of the Union everywhere, and greatly strength- 
ened the national arm at all points. The press of the North 
and West made the best use of the great victory to inspire fresh 
courage and determination among the people to light it out 
to the last. During the three months preceding this joyful 
event the public mind and the spirit of the army had been 
greatly depressed. Gen. Banks' failure in Texas, and the poor 
success of military operations in the Shenandoah valley; and 
the seemingl)- littk effect produced upon the bulwark of the 
Rebellion at Richmond and Petersburg by the terrible and rapid 
blows of the army of the Potomac under the lead of Gen. Grant, 
and a growing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the war in many 
parts of the country, had its effect to increase the general gloom 
and despondency. Many of the people had serious doubts of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 309 



final success, and the opponents of the war predicted an utter 
failure of the Lincoln government and seemed to rejoice over 
the prospect. The writer will never forget the feeling of 
doubt and despair which for a time seemed to prevail in the 
army of the Shenandoah. The hardest and most persistent 
campaign of the war had been apparently barren of good results 
to the Union cause. Gen. Early's raid into Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania, and threatening Washington itself, in spite of the ut- 
most vigilance on the part of the government and Gen. Grant, 
did not encourage the hope of final success. The rebel leaders 
and generals, after all had been done to weaken their cause, ap- 
peared as hopeful and as defiant as ever, while the rebel press 
continued to fire the Southern heart with lies and braggadocio. 
And all this had its effect. The soldiers who had been home on 
furloughs returned with gloom) reports concerning the coming 
presidential election. It was confidently predicted in various 
quarters that Lincoln would be overwhelmingly defeated at the 
polls by Gen. McClellan, and thus the South might take new cour- 
age and expectation respecting the recognition of the Confed- 
eracy b)- European governments. Several of the regiment 
brought very discouraging reports even from Norwich. They 
reported that it was believed by many that McClellan would 
carry Connecticut, the feeling of dissatisfaction with Lin- 
coln had become so great and earnest. And had the presi- 
dential election taken place in September instead, of Novem- 
ber, there would have been a fair prospect of the fulfillment 
of this discouraging prophecy. But the great victory of Gen. 
Sheridan inspired fresh courage and raised the public spirit 
wonderfully, and every succeeding day added new interest and 
efiect to this joyful event. Early had lost at least five thou- 
sand men, killed and taken prisoners. Rhodes, one of his 
most vaunting and confidential generals, was instantly killed, and 
his corps, which he swore could not be whipped by the "damned 
Yankees," was nearly annihilated. Every day new and sub 



3IO EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



stantial evidence was given of the thoroughness of the rebel 
defeat. The Eighteenth, being on picket duty so near the pike 
'leading from Charlestown to Harper's Ferry had an excellent 
opportunity to witness the results of the battle, and were greatly 
rejoiced to see the Confederates marching to the rear in such 
large numbers as prisoners of war. They had met those fellows 
at Lynchburg under quite different circumstances, and it was 
now their turn to be jubilant. If the bo)s indulged in a few 
Yankee jokes they were pardonable under the circumstances. 
•'Halloo, rebs, glad to see you; have been waiting for you some 
time; this is what we went down to Lynchburg for. We meant 
to bring you up here to Charlestown to bag you, and I reckon 
we have clone it. How do you like it as far as you have got." 
Charlestown was decidedly Rebellious and its people had often 
railed the Yankees on Confederate victories, bragging of the 
great things the rebel army would do before the close of the war, 
and there was some satisfaction to witness their chagrin and 
disappointment after the battle, and as the evidences of a glorious 
Union victory daily multiplied. 

September 23d. Received orders to march to Martinsburg, 
which were immediately obeyed. Arrived at that place the same 
day, and were the first troops on the ground after the retreat of 
Gen. Early's forces on the 19th. Capt. Tiffany reported to Col. 
Rogers, of the Second Maryland, in the street, before the colonel 
had reached his head-quarters. The regiment was put on pick- 
et duty to guard all the roads in every direction, and the 
camp was in Faulkner's woods, on the south side of the town. 
The boys were very much fatigued after this movement, but 
there was no release from duty on this account, there being no 
other force to guard the town from the attacks which were ex- 
pected at any moment. On the next day, in addition to picket- 
ing the roads, a detail was made to work on the railroad. The 
rebels, as usual during their occupancy of the town, had done all 
the damage they could by breaking up our lines of communica- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 311 



tion. They owed the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad a peculiar 
spite because of its yreat advantage to the Union cause. Stone- 
wall Jackson, in his various raitls down the valley, had destroyed 
a vast amount of railroad material by ijurninij^ bridi^^es and rollinj^ 
stock, but as soon as the rebels disajjpeared there was a large 
force put on the road to repair damages. At this time especially 
a great force was needed for this purpose, and the Eighteenth 
lent a helping liaiid. The regiment could accommodate itself to 
circumstances and do various kinds of work as well perhaps as 
any in the service. The government required other service 
besides fighting, and the men who could "turn a hand" to any- 
thing were of great use to the general interests ot the country. 

The events following the removal to Martinsburg were of a 
stirring character, and required the utmost vigilance on the 
part of the forces in and around Martinsburg and Harper's 
Ferry. It was known that rebel guerrillas were watching tor fav- 
orable opportunities to capture trains, anil do any other mischief 
in their power. At this point a large number of rebel prisoners 
were brought in from up the valley every day, adding new evi- 
dences of the completeness of the victory over J ubal Early. 

September 2gth. Eight hundred prisoners were met by a por- 
tion of the regiment outside ot Martinsburg, and marched through 
the town to the depot to take the cars for Harper's Ferry, where 
they were left in charge of the provost marshal. The regiment 
returned to Martinsburg by cars and resumed picket duty as usu- 
al. In the meantime Companies E and H were sent to North 
Mountain to guard a signal corps. There was enough to do at 
this time, and the frequent changes to which the troops, were 
subjected gave interest and variety to the service, yet it was dif- 
ficult and tiresome. From October ist until the 13th the regi- 
ment remained at Martinsburg on picket duty. During this time 
several important events occurred. Maj. Peale and Surgeon 
Holbrook had returned to the regiment, and Cluu-les E. Rowe, 
of Farmington, Conn., became tirst assistant surgeon. The re- 



3T2 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



turn of the old officers was heartily greeted by the men. Maj. 
Peale was pleased to resume the command, and the regiment 
was equally well pleased to have him do so. The rank and file 
began to fill up again, and the appearance of the battalion on 
duty was greatly improved. Various rumors were alloat as to 
the movements and destination of troops, and every day had its 
excitements, and occasionally there were real causes for alarm. 
On the 13th of October the regiment was sdddenly called out 
on the double quick and remained under arms for a short time, 
and then were ordered back to their tents. Moseby had made 
one of his sudden dashes upon the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, 
and captured an express train, helping himself to money and 
prisoners as best he could. These rebel movements made the 
times exciting, and almost every day something alarming would 
transpire to keep up the excirement. In the meantime, Sheridan 
was watching Gen. Early, and as events proved. Early was watch- 
ing for an opportunity to give Sheridan a surprise party. The 
arrangements for this nearl) successful purpose were completed 
by the 18th, and before daylight on the morning of the 19th "the 
play began." Our old corps for the first time was completely 
surprised, and many ot the brave men who had been associated 
with us in the early part of the season in the valley operations 
were either killed or taken prisoners. Among the number who 
fell that day, in whom the regiment felt a special interest, 
were Col. Thoburn, of West Virginia, and Col. Wells, of the 
Thirty-tourth Massachusetts Volunteers. They commanded some 
of the best troops in the service, and were among the very best 
officers in the valley that season. How the Union troops rallied 
that day! ".Sheridan's ride from Winchester, twenty miles away," 
has been told again and again, and the people do not tire of 
hearing about it. 

While the scenes which have been so many times described, 
and every time with new interest, were being enacted, there was 
the highest degree of excitement in Martinsburg and vicinity 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. ^iz 



among citizens and soldiers. The cannonading was distinctly 
heard at first, growing louder and louder, but at length the sound 
began to grow less and less, and at dark it could scarcely be heard 
at all. The troops in Martinsburg, however, were in readiness 
to advance at a moment's warning, but happily their services 
were not required. Sheridan was master of the situation, having 
turned an apparent defeat into a glorious victory, thus immortal- 
izing his name, and giving that ride from Winchester to Cedar 
Creek an enviable place in the history of the country for whose 
sake it was performed. It was a matter of deep interest to behold 
the fruits of this victory if one was not permitted to share its dan- 
gers and glory. This was made apparent every day by captured 
prisoners, cannon and war inaterial of various kinds. The result 
gave great joy and encouragement to the country, and to the 
soldiers especially. It began to look as though the war would 
soon close. The next day four months' pay was received, and 
every one was happy, such an event being rated next in importance 
to the longed for cessation of hostilities. The men had begun to 
feel the want of money as they were anxious to make some change 
in their diet. A little pocket money would help them to do thi» 
in such a place as Martinsburg. 

The effect of Sheridan's victory, however, was on the whole 
o-rand and overwhelming. The rebel citizens of Martinsburg had 
become as silent as the grave, though they had been quite hope- 
ful since the summer campaign, and the successes of Early up to 
the 19th of September. But the defeat at that time, followed by 
another a month later more effective and crushing than the first, 
nearly extinguished all hope of the success of the Southern Con- 
federacy. There was but one prop more on which they leaned, 
and that was the sympathy of Northern allies, and this too had 
been greatly weakened, as the pending presidential election 
promised nothing for their cause. The North was in a blaze of 
excitement over Sheridan's victories. 

October 26th. A report prevailed that Moseby was coming 



314 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



aj^ain, and the truth was he was much nearer than many were 
wiUing to beheve. About half way between Martinsburg and 
Winchester he had made a dash and captured Gen. Duffie, of 
the cavalry, who was on his way to the former place. This was 
a bold deed. Gen. Duffie was doomed to go to Richmond a 
prisoner. There was no help for it. Many thought that he was 
right!)' served, though regretting the act itself, as it caused so 
much rejoicing on the part of rebel sjmpathizers at home and 
abroad. 

The troops were called out at Martinsburg as usual after the 
mischief was done and could not be prevented. It was quite 
evident that although .Sheridan had given Early a hopeless de- 
feat, and was at that time following up his advantage over him, 
and pursuing his scattered forces almost to Richmond, nearly 
capturing the old rebel himself, still he had left a vigilant enemy 
to the Union cause in the rear, who understood the situation 
and was ready to improve his chances to be revenged on Sheri- 
dan. Gen. Duffie had never been very popular with the Shen- 
andoah army after the defeat at New Market, the belief being 
that he might have changed the fortunes of that day had he 
done his whole duty. Nevertheless, to have a Union general 
captured within the Union lines caused great chagrin, especially 
as the deed was achieved so near to Martinsburg. 

The presidential election was now pending. The party at the 
North, opposed to coercing the South, had been hopeful of carry- 
ing the national election as late as the 19th of September. At 
least there seemed to be an earnest effort made for this purpose, 
and with many it was feared that it would be successful; but 
after the victories of .Sheridan in the valley, Northern sympathiz- 
ers began to grow less confident; still it was thought that every 
Union vote at home and in the army would be required to give 
the government all the aid and comfort desirable under the cir- 
cuinstancfts. Accordingly all laudable means were employed to 
secure a full vote, both of citizens at home and soldiers in the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 315 



army. After all the privations and sacrifices of the soldiers, the 
great majority of them were in full sympathy with Lincoln's ad- 
ministration, and in favor of prosecuting the war until the rebels 
should lay down their arms and return to their allegiance to the 
government. That there should have been any division of opin- 
ion among Northern men was a matter of great surprise. It was 
viewed as a shameful thing that any portion of Northern terri- 
tory required the presence of soldiers to secure good order at the 
polls at such a crisis in the history of the war. But such was the 
fact. Gen. Butler was ordered to New York to keep the peace, 
and other military movements were regarded as necessary for the 
same object in other states. In some instances this movement 
perhaps might have been avoided, but the impression was that it 
was best to be on the safe side and guard against possible danger 
that might arise in the large cities; for it was in th(\se alone that 
any serious efforts were apprehended h()Stile to the public peace. 
On the whole a large force was sent home, and distributed as 
public interests demanded. Among other troops, the Eighteenth 
ReL'inient was ordered, October 29th, to report at New Haven, 
Conn., and on the 30th the regiment broke camp and took 
the cars for that city. As the boys marched oft' from their 
old camp ground they met an Iowa regiment on its way to take 
their place. When the Iowa men learned that the regiment 
was going home to vote for Lincoln they made the air ring with 
their cheers for "Old Abe" and the Eighteenth Connecticut. 
These western men were running over with enthusiasm for the 
great leader of the Union cause and wished their Connecticut 
comrades success in the object of their home visit. Great en- 
thusiasm was manifested by both regiments in their brief ac- 
quaintance. 

The passage from Martinsburg to New Haven was rapid and 

pleasant. Nothing of special interest occurred save in New York 

City. While passing from the foot of Cortland Street to Twenty- 

' Seventh Street to take the cars for New Haven, the regiment 



3i6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



was subjected to all manner of insults from the roughs of New 
York. The "rebel heathen" showered on the soldiers all sorts of 
vile names and their conduct generally was extremely abusive 
and outrageous, although they knew better than to attempt vio- 
lence on any of Sheridan's men. In Martinsburg the men were 
cheered and complimented for their devotion to the flag of the 
Union, but in the streets of New York, within a' few hours' ride 
of their own homes, the men who had hazarded their all to save 
this same New York from being burned and pillaged by Southern 
fire-eaters and traitors, marched through the streets under the 
most trying circumstances. Had not the police force; been in the 
interest of the Rebellion it might have easily protected the de- 
fenders of their country from such a mean and contemptible out- 
racTe. Nowhere in Virginia or Maryland had the regiment wit- 
nessed more hatred to soldiers than the New York bullies mani- 
fested during that never-to-be-forgotten march from the Hudson 
River to the depot on Twenty-Seventh Street. Arrived at New 
Haven about four o'clock P. M., where a part of the regiment were 
allowed to go to there homes, while the other part was put on 
duty at the conscript camp. 

The regiment remained in the State until after the 8th of 
November, on which day Abraham Lincoln was re-elected Presi- 
dent of the United States by an overwhelming majority, to the 
great joy of all Union men, both citizens and soldiers, and to the 
chagrin and disappointment of the rebels, both North and South. 
It was the greatest Union victory during the war. It destroyed 
every vestige of hope of success remaining in the Confederacy. 
The verdict of the people was that the war should be prosecuted 
to the bitter end. 

Every Union soldier had as much reason to be as proud of his 
vote on that day as if he had sent a bullet through the heart of 
the Confederacy. In fact votes on that occasion were more fatal 
to the success of rebels than bullets, and hence every soldier 
who voted as he had shot was doing the greatest possible service 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 317 



for his country in bringing the war to a speedy and successful 
termination. The Eighteenth Connecticut had a proud record 
on the 8th of November, 1864. It never performed a more im- 
portant service for its country during the war than on that day, 
for nearly every man "voted as he had shot." After a few 
days furlough the regiment was ordered to return to Virginia. 
It arrived in Martinsburg on November, j^th, and again resumed 
its old service at the front. Lieut. Caruthers, with a detachment 
of the regiment, was ordered to drive all the cattle recaptured 
from Early in the valley to York, Pennsylvania. Nothing else 
of special interest occurred until Thanksgiving, which passed off 
very pleasantly, many of the boys being supplied with boxes of 
poultry and other goodies from home. These kind remembrances 
were none the less gratefully received because of the late visit to 
friends at home. 



3t8 eighteenth REGIMENT 



CHAPTER XV. 



WINTER QUARTERS AT IIALETOWN. 



November 23d. Received orders to report at Halltown. This 
order was not so cheerfully received as some others had been. 
The boys liked Martinsburg and hoped to go into winter quarters 
there, but "the powers that be" ordered otherwise, and there was 
no help for it. Arriving at Halltown, the work of preparing 
winter quarters began in earnest. Log and board huts were put 
up in a substantial manner in regular order, as laid down in the 
regulations, and the whole appearance was fine. The situation 
was excellent, being a short distance to the north of Harper's 
Ferry and Winchester Railroad, on elevated ground, affording a 
pleasant prospect. There were several farm houses near, among 
them the fine residence of Col. Washington, of John Brown fame, 
who was afterward killed in one of the battles near Richmond. 
There was a beautiful stream of water a little to the south, on 
which was a saw-mill, where the boards were sawed for the regi- 
mental city. This was found to be a great convenience. Five 
large barns on the premises, and but a few rods away, afforded 
good accommodations for the horses and mules belonging to the 
regiment. It being but three or four miles to Harper's Ferry, 
that place could be frequently visited, on leave of absence, for 
such supplies as coiikl not be obtained nearer the camp. The 
mails for the regiment came to that place, and were regularly 
brought to camp every day. Setting up housekeeping in this 







^ 






- ^ 



i/m ' n 








CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 319 



delightful place was attended, on the whole, with but little incon- 
venience, and few accidents, that of private Joseph Weaver, who 
received a severe cut in the thigh by an axe in the hands of a 
comrade, being the most serious. The duty of tlie regiment was 
to guard the railroad leading from Mariner's F"erry to Winchester. 
On the whole the situation was as pleasant and convenient as 
one could reasonably expect, but not so desirable as that at 
Martinsburg. 

December opened pleasantly and found the boys very com- 
fortable in their new quarters. The camp hospital was finely 
located and was made very acceptable to the sick of the regiment. 
Surgeon Holbrook, assisted by Surgeon Rovve and Steward Uick 
Ripley, succeeded in establishing excellent quarters for the un- 
fortunates of the regiment, and paid every attention to their 
wants. Orderlies John Harrington and David Colvin, Company 
B, and William Comins, Company K, were in attendance, so 
that (here should Ije no lack of care and attention in this depart- 
ment. No complaint was ever made in the Eighteenth of want 
of attention to the sick when the regiment was situated so that 
supplies could be readily obtained. At Halltown, as well as at 
Martinsburg the winter previous, the writer often heard the 
patients say: "We could not be better cared for at home than we 
are here." Perhaps a comparison with other circumstances in 
army life had some thing to do with producing that feeling of 
satisfaction which many of the men experienced at such times. 

On the fifth of the month the chaplain returned to the regi- 
ment after a more than two months' sick furlough. His return 
was an agreeable event to himself, and he had every reason to 
believe that it was ecpially pleasing to the regiment. It was un- 
expected, however, by all parties, for his health had suffered so 
severely by chills and fever that his life had been despaired of 
for several weeks, and no one who saw him at that time sup- 
posed he would ever be able to return to the service. But in 
twenty days after he was able to go out into the open air he re- 
turned to his rey-iment, though still in feeble health. 



320 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



His return was highly gratifying to him because of the hearty 
congratulations he received from all parties. The next Sunday 
religious services were resumed in the hospital as there was no 
chapel tent on the ground. The following Sabbath there was pub- 
lic service in the same place. The two Sundays following the 
chaplain preached in the open air. On the evening of the last 
there was a very interesting religious service at a private house a 
short distance to the south of camp. Christmas and New-Year 
passed off very pleasantly. Several boxes of good things were re- 
ceived from friends at home. Some of the boys went "foraging" 
and carried on quite a trade with the natives for milk and eggs, and 
the chaplain and Surgeon Holbrook had Christmas dinner at Mr. 
Elsee's near by, where the Surgeon's wife was boarding at the 
time. The doctor's example became contagious. Other mem- 
bers ot the regiment sent for their "better halves" and began to 
"board out" and seemed quite happy in their new quarters. The 
sight of a Yankee woman in camp occasionally was a great rarity 
and always had a pleasing effect. "Tom," of Company H, said 
he would give more to see a Yankee checked apron than all the 
women of Virginia. 

The hrst week in January fitted up Sutler Kingsbury's tent 
for a chapel. Obtained boards from the saw-mill for seats, and 
used a box about a foot and a half square for a platform, to which 
was attached a pulpit desk, consisting of a board five or six inches 
wide, of sufificient height, square on top for a small bible and 
hymn book. The ground floor was finely carpeted with saw- 
dust, three or four inches in thickness. On the whole it was 
quite convenient and comfortable, and by crowding would ac- 
commodate about one hundred persons. Through the kindness 
of Rev. E. Cushman, of Hartford, Connecticut, the tent was sup- 
plied with seventy-five hymn books and over two hundred volumes 
of other books for a regimental library. In addition to these, 
there was received a number of home papers, such as the Chris- 
tian Secretary, Norwich Courier, Willimantic Journal, Windham 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



County Transcript, and several monthlies. Altogether this made 
quite a respectable library, being arranged on a shelf reaching 
across the end of the tent. There was a table also for papers 
and writing material, the latter being furnished by the Christian 
Commission at Harper's Ferry. The chapel was accessible at all 
hours of the day and lighted up every evening, and the members 
of the regiment often frequented it, where they read, sung, chatted 
and wrote letters as freely as they pleased. The month of 
January passed off pleasantly. John Harrington had charge of 
the tent and library, and on the whole the men found a great 
deal of pleasurable employment in their daily visitations. Once 
a week they met for a singing school. This proved a source of 
great enjoyment, and many an evening was spent in this way. 
In addition to these religious and social privileges, there were 
distributed religious papers in every tent in camp, procured from 
the Christian Commission. This was done generally every Sun- 
day morning. A large number of testaments and small hymn 
books were received from the same source, all of which seemed 
to be highly appreciated by the regiment. During this month 
Company A, under Lieut. Robert Kerr, was ordered to Harper's 
Ferry on provost duty, and Companies D and I were sent to 
Duffield Station, up the B. & O. R. R. These companies did 
e.xcellent service in their new position and received commendation 
from their superior officers. 

During the month of February, there was considerable relig- 
ious interest in camp. The military service of the regiment was 
as usual, doing picket duty in various directions. On the 5th 
there was a lively time; the pickets reported to Lieut. Caruthers, 
who was in command, that they had seen what was supposed to 
be rebels creeping along the edge of a wood-lot a mile away to 
the southwest of the picket line. The lieutenant credited the 
report and laid his plans to gobble them up if they did not ford 
the .Shenandoah River. x'\ccordingly, with a detachment of men, 
under cover of the woods, he advanced towards the river in a 



X 



322 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



crescent line of battle, himself occupying- the center. When 
the right and left wings reached the river, the center licgan to 
close lip through the woods, but had not advancetl far before five 
rebels jumped up and Ijegan to run, Ijut they did not get very 
far as they perceived that the\- were surrounded, and surren- 
dered. They were taken into camp and marched up to Col. 
Peale's head-quarters for e.xami nation. As they approached the 
camp all hands turned out to see them, and for a time there 
was considerable excitement. The men railed them, and asked 
many provoking questions, such as: "Halloo, Johnny, where are 
you from?" "Have you seen Jeff, lately?" "Sheridan has gone 
up the valley to bring down the Confederate treasury. He is 
going to pay you off in your own coin." "How is Anderson- 
villej'" "Are you going down to Washington to make a treaty 
of peace?" "Say, boys, Jrff. has sent down five 'rebs' to make 
peace." Up to this time the prisoners had kept up a very sour 
countenance, and looked daggers at the hated Yankees, but they 
gave in at last, and joined with the men in a good hearty 
laugh. One of them said: "I reckon you are having some fun 
at my expense. Have you got any whisky?" This response 
brought down the house again, and the cry rang through the 
regiment: "Peace commissioners ! Peace commissioners !" After 
an examination at head-ejuarters, these gentlemen were sent ofT 
in the direction of Washington on their peace commission. 

The officers in command at Halltown were: Lieut. Col. Henry 
Peale, commanding; MaJ. Joseph Matthewson on duty, Surgeon 
Lowell Hoi brook. Chaplain W. C. XA'alker, Assistant Surgeon 
Charles H. Rowe, Adjutant George VV. Brady, Acting Quarter- 
master Lieut. N. P. Johnson, Commissary Sergeant T. Parker. 

The following officers were in command of companies: Capt. 
I. N. Kibbe, Company B; Capt. J. P. Rockwell, Company C; 
Lieut. F. G. Bixby, Company f); Capt. M. V. B. Tiffany, Compa- 
ny E; Lieut. John Francis. Company F; Lieut. Albert .S. Grang- 
er, Company G; Lieut. Caruthers, Company H; Capt. John Lil- 
ley, Company I; Lieut. H. Blanchard, Company K. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 323 



Capt. Charles H. Bowen, Company II, who had been absent 
from the regiment as a prisoner of war. appeared again on the 
monthly report, at Annapolis. Capt. Joseph P. Rockwell was 
absent on detached duty at department head-quarters, Harper's 
Ferry. Lieut. Prank G. Bixby was reported at Martinsburg, 
on duty at department head-quarters, and Lieut. E. S. Hinck- 
ley was in command of Company D, at Brown's Crossing, 
near Duffield .Station. At this latter place Capt. John Lilley 
was in command of Compan) I. Lieut. Robert Kerr was still 
at Harper's Ferry, in command of Compan_\- A, doing provost 
duty under Capt. A. D. Pratt, of the Thirty-Fourth Massachusetts 
Volunteers. Capt. Pratt occupied the position of provost marshal 
for a longtime at the Ferry, and was in high repute as an officer 
of the government. He gave Company A, of the Eighteenth 
Connecticut Volunteers, an excellent name- as a provost guard. 
He gave the men a new suit after their summer and fall campaign, 
of which they were in great need. The officers and soldiers of 
the Eighteenth cherish kind remembrances of Capt. Pratt. At 
one time there was a little unpleasantness between the Plighteenth 
and the Thirty-P^iurth Massachusetts, but as a whole they lived 
on excellent terms. The Thirty-Fourth were ever regarded bj- 
us as a brave, patriotic regiment, and marched and fought well in 
the valley campaigns of 1864. 

There had been a steady increase in the rank and tile of the 
regiment from the time it was ordered to Halltovvn. The sum- 
mer and fall campaigns had greatly reduced the regiment, a larce 
number had been killed and wounded in battle, and many more 
were disabled from sickness, and other causes contributed to 
reduce its numerical strength. .\t the close of the campai'>-ns 
the monthly reports showed less than two hundred men for duty, 
and not more than eight or ten commissioned officers, but by the 
first part of February, 1865, there was a perceptible change for the 
better. Several of the old officers had returned from their lon^^- 
imprisonment in Dixie, and other officers had been promoted. 



324 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



so that at length the regiment could boast of twenty commis- 
sioned officers and four hundred and seventj'-eight men present 
for duty. 

In the meantime the following promotions were made: First 
Lieut. Horatio Blanchard to be captain of Compan) G, commis- 
sion to date from January 30th; Second Lieut. John A. Francis 
to be first lieutenant of Company B; Second Lieut. William Caru- 
thers to be first lieutenant of Company E, date of commission 
January 7th; First Sergeant Charles A. Murray, Company F, to 
be second lieutenant of Company F, commission to date from 
January 30th. 

The constant changes which were taking place, and the "polite 
attention" of the bushwhacking rebels in the vicinity of Charles- 
town and up the Shenandoah River, and the fear of raids on the 
B. & (\ R. R., kept the regiment on the alert. 

The guerrillas made a dash on Company L at Duffield Sta- 
tion, spreading alarm all along the line. No special harm was 
done, but it kept the boys from going to sleep and from 
indifference to the situation. Rumors of peace almost daily 
produced a healthy excitement, and the boys discussed freely the 
"good time coming." Letter writing was a pastime, and the 
Eighteenth maintained its reputation as a writing regiment. At 
one time there was great excitement in regard to two deserters 
who were to be shot at Harper's Ferry. The time appointed 
arrived, (February 17th) and nearly all the troops in the vicinity 
were called out to witness the scene. The execution was to take 
place near the Ferry on the afternoon of the day designated, but 
after all the arrangements had been completed, the prayers of the 
clergymen ended, the eyes of the condemned were bandaged, and 
they were sitting upon their coffins waiting for the fatal order 
which would send their souls into eternity, an orderly rode up 
from head-quarters bearing a reprieve from President Lincoln. 
During the preliminary exercises, a death-like silence prevailed 
among the vast number of spectators to the awful scene, and al- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 325 



though the pardon was wholly unexpected by the deserters them- 
selves, still its promulgation scarcely broke it. Even the poor 
deserters seemed stupefied with amazement, and manifested but 
little emotion. There were a few faint cheers at one or two 
points, but as a whole the bystanders walked away in thoughtful 
silence, a silence almost oppressive. The whole scene was one 
not soon to be forgotten. 

r\-bruary i8th. Rev. Mr. Grosvenor, of Canterbury, Conn., 
made the regiment a visit. He was in the service of the Chris- 
tain Commission, and it was quite cheering to see a friend from 
home. 

The regiment will never forget the severe winter of 1864-65. 
At least the numerous "cold snaps," as they were called, which 
rendered the situation at times very uncomfortable. The first 
snow appeared in December, and during the three winter months 
there were at least ten snow storms. At one time the snow 
fell two inches deep, at another four inches, and February 19th 
the snow was nearly a foot and a half deep. This was thought 
to be doing pretty well for old Virginia. At one time there was 
good sleighing for a day or two; sleigh-bells reminding one of 
"home, sweet home," of sleighing parties and the like, but the 
boys ilid not try to get up any sleighing parties at Halltown. 
The severe weather interfered very much with company and bat- 
talion drills and dress-parades. There were but a few of these, 
comparatively, during the cold season, for it was extremely cold 
for the climate, and the men on guard and at out-posts had 
bitter experience. 

Company inspections occurred generally once a week, and bat- 
talion as occasion required. During the month the regiment 
was inspected by Gen. .Seward, from Martinsburg, and Gen. 
Crook and staff, and official reports give great credit to the 
officers for faithful and competent discharge of their duties. 
The inspector general expressed his satisfaction with the dis- 
cipline and moral bearing of the regiment, and remarked at 



326 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the time to the writer that in these respects "the Eighteenth 
Connecticut was more than an average." Col. Peale was com- 
mended for the completeness of the official records of the regi- 
ment, and paid a well-deserved compliment to Adjutant George 
W. Brady. 

The second day after the arrival of the regiment at Hall- 
town, Col. Peale was ordered with his command to Keyes Gap, 
five miles from Harper's Ferry. Arrived about noon the same 
day, and remained four days, when the colonel returned to camp. 
Nothing of special interest occurred, except that another pig ran 
against the men's bayonets, and as a natural consequence they 
had fried pig while they remained at the gap. 

Corporal James H. Sawyer, Company B, drew a picture of 
Col. Peak's tent, interior as well as exterior. Corporal Sawyer 
showed remarkable ability and taste in other sketches he drew 
of camp scenes while at Halltown. One description jq{ the 
camp was sent to New York and engraved. A large number 
of copies was sold among the members of the regiment. The 
picture gave great satisfaction, and now adorns many a parlor 
in New London and Windham Counties. .Sawyer was a general 
favorite, and he drew many sketches of a soldier's life, which 
gave him quite a notoriety as an artist. It is needless to say 
that he was a good soldier, always true and reliable. 

During the winter a detail of one hundred men was sent to 
the Ferry to work on the suspension bridge, which fell tJirough 
on account of defective wires, and several men were injured by 
the catastrophe. Later the same number of men were sent to 
aid in the completion of these repairs. The service was no 
boys' play, and was attended with considerable risk. 

On the night of Februarj' 24th there was considerable excite- 
ment at one of the out-posts. A scouting party of the Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Cavalry came upon the pickets of the regiment, 
and shots were exchanged, but no harm was done. Both parties 
mistook each other for rebels and blazed away 'right smart." 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 327 

Company B turned out and went in the direction of the firing, 
under the command of Capt. Kibbe. It is unnecessary to say 
that great bravery was displayed by all the parties concerned in 
the affair. A certain lieutenant exhibited great courage in the 
"retreat." The whole affair wds a nice little joke, which did not 
lose its interest for a long time. 

Great excitement again at a picket-post. Wonderful dexterity 
displayed, and at last the enemy was captured — an "opossum" — 
a queer-looking, carniverous animal, characterized by its prehen- 
sile tail. This was pronounced a smart-looking animal and was 
carried into camp at night, much to the amusement of the men, 
who congratulated the captors on their remarkable feat. 

Occurrences of this kind relieved the monotony of camp-life at 
Halltown, and rendered its disagreeableness more endurable. 
The month of March opened cloudy and chilly, with the wind 
blowing hard all day. The position was such that when there 
was a blow ever)- man knew it ami felt it. The mud often pre- 
vented drilling by companies or in battalion, and dress-parades 
were dispensed with. About this time Gen. Hancock's corps 
went into camp near Halltown, on its way to join the army of 
the Potomac for the investment of Richmond. 

On March 9th, commissioners arrived from Connecticut to re- 
ceive the vote of the regiment for State officers, and most of the 
men voted once more for their old friend, William A. Bucking- 
ham. In this service they were very earnest and enthusiastic. 
Ancjther good day's work for their country, fur Governor Buck- 
ingham stood up nobly in aid of the government in its efforts to 
crush out the spirit of .Secession, both North and South. 

March 13th, about four P. M., had another scene at picket- 
post. A squad of rebels came suddenly upon our men, being in 
hot pursuit of a citizen who was escaping from rebeldom. On 
seeing the Yankees they halted, fired a volley, and then turned 
and rode avva)' in great haste. The pickets deployed at once, 
formed a skirmish line and pursued the rebels, but to no pur- 



328 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

pose. Being well mounted, the enemy had no difficulty in 
getting^ away. 

The next day the One Hundred and Thirty-First Ohio In- 
fantry camped near Halltovvn. It was a new regiment and 
numbered one thousand men. The men appeared so "green" in 
their movements that no little merriment among old soldiers was 
occasioned by their action, the veterans forgetting that they were 
"green" once themselves, (^n the 15th, Col. Peale received or- 
ders to remove to Martinsburg. The regiment was relieved by 
the One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Indiana Regiment at six 
o'clock P. M. In one hour everything was packed in readiness 
to march, but did not move until the next morning at seven A. 
M., when the regiment marched to the Ferry and was boxed up 
for Martinsburg. The day was stormy and cold. The train 
was delayed on account of the breaking down of the trestle-work 
on a bridge. The regiment was made exceedingly uncomfortable 
through the day. Did not arrive in camp at Martinsburg until 
eight o'clock in the evening. Relieved the Ninety-Fifth Ohio 
Infantry a little distance from the town. It was a very dark 
night, and much difficulty was experienced in finding a position 
and establishing pickets. 

Next day was pleasant and warm, but windy. The work of 
getting settled for housekeeping progressed finely. Companies 
B, I, G and D pitched their tents on the bare ground. The 
whole day was devoted to hard work upon the quarters, which 
were none too comfortable at first. The camp was near the road 
leading toward Winchester. The field and stafi were upon the 
east side of the road and the regiment, with its line officers, were 
upon the west. On the whole, the location was very good. A 
short distance away there were a number of dwelling houses, and 
a little to the left of Col. Peale's quarters there was a large log 
house, which had been used for a chapel tent. It had no cover- 
ing when the regiment arrived, but the Christian Commission 
soon furnished one, and the tent was put in good (jrder for the 
purposes of a library and religious services. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 329 



The removal of the regiment to Martinsburg proved to be the 
last change until the war closed and the regiment was mustered 
out of service and ordered home. At least the head-quarters of 
the battalion was at this place. There were many changes, how- 
ever, in companies, and in the officers and privates during the 
month of March. While these changes favored the numerical 
strength of the regiment, still there were missing several familiar 
faces in the rank and file. 

Assistant Surgeon Charles H. Rowe was on duty in the hos- 
pital at Harper's Ferry, to which place he was ordered January 
6th. Capt. Joseph P. Rockwell was also on detached duty at the 
same place, as A. A. I. G. fifth division, department of West 
Virginia, and had been there since January i;th. First Lieut. 
Frank G. Bixby was still at third division department head- 
quarters, West Virginia, at Martinsburg; part of the time as 
judge-advocate of a court marshal, and afterwards as recorder of 
a court of inquiry. 

At about this time the good news reached the regiment that 
another squad of its officers, reported as missing after the action 
at Winchester, June, 1H63, had been released on parole, and had 
arrived at Annapolis, Md. These were Capt. Henry C. Davis, 
Company A; Capt. J. E. Woodward, Company F; Capt. E. J. 
Mathewson, Company K; First Lieut. A. H. Lindsay, Compa- 
ny A; Quartermaster D. W. Hakes; First Lieut. S. T. C. 
Merwin, Company C; First Lieut. A. W. Loomis, Company H; 
Second Lieut. A. G. Scranton, Company K; Second Lieut. E. 
D. Carpenter, Company B; First Lieut. H. F. Cowles, Com- 
pany F; Second Lieut. Frank McKeag, Company E; Second 
Lieut. W. H. Locke, Company H; and Second Lieut. George 
Kies, Company K — thirteen in all. It was a time of general re- 
joicing when it was announced that these officers had been re- 
leased from their long confinement in rebel prisons, and their 
return to the regiment was looked for with the deepest interest. 
But this return was not expected until they had been permitted 



330 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

to visit their homes on a leave of absence, which was readily 
granted, and consequently there was great joy in many a Con- 
necticut home. 

Lieut. E. D. Carpenter, Company B, writes of his release as 
follows: "I arrived home on March 2_'d, 1865, having been ab- 
sent thirty-one months. I was received by a large concourse of 
friends and citizens with joyful congratulations, as one returned 
almost from the dead. My wife dare not meet me at the depot, 
being so completely overcome with emotion by the joyful event." 

Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of Windham and 
New London Counties, and the daily papers had much to say of 
these unexpected arrivals, and the e.Kciting incidents attending 
them. The change from rebel prisons to the sweet homes in 
Yankee-land was to the released prisoners like a transition to 
Paradise, as during the war the .South was properly designated 
as the "no-God country," and a rebel prison as "hell." 

About this time letters began to be received at Martinsburg 
from the paroled officers to members of tlieir respective compa- 
nies with reference to their return, which was anticipated gener- 
ally with great pleasure. 

On March 22d a number of deserters cMiie into camp, and 
were taken to head-ijuarters, or to the provost marshal's office 
to take the oath. The iM'inging in, also, of four horse thieves 
by the sheriff of the count)' created no little stir. They proved 
to be deserters from Cole's cavalr,-, and were taken to Gen. 
Seward's head-quarters. 

March 23d was a very cold, blustering day. The location of 
the camp was such that of a windy dav, let the wind come from 
any quarter it would, it seemed to carry all before it. In the af- 
ternoon, at battalion drill, there was a tremendous shower of 
rain and hail, which forced the regiment back to camp in a 
hurry. The next morning it .snowed and blew severely, and then 
followed a gale which lasted all the afteTOon. The unpleasant 
aspect of things was somewhat rehVved, however, by a rumor 



r 



3^ ^ ''"^^^^ 



A. 



^ 1 




CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. %ti 



that the paymaster would come the next day. The presence of 
this important personage was considered an effectual panaceal 
for disagreeable things at any time. 

From the time that the regiment went into winter quarters at 
Halltown, until it was ordered to Martinsburg, there had been a 
gradual and commendable interest manifested by the officers that 
the regiment might assume a more military appearance. The 
uniforms were improved, or old ones were exchanged for new, 
muskets were kept cleaner antl brighter, and both officers and 
men seemed to vie with each other in their attempts to regain 
their former popularity as a well equipped and well drilled regi- 
ment. As the weather became milder, and the grounds for drill 
and dress-parades improved, by the last of March the battalion 
made a fine show as to numbers and discipline. Their move- 
ments on dress-parades, especially attracted great attention and 
won for them many compliments, both from the officers at de- 
partment head-quarters, and the citizens who were generally 
present in respectable numbers. Gen. .Seward was occasionally 
present, or some member of his staff, and always seemed pleased 
with the manner in which the Eighteenth attended to its duties. 

March 27th was a beautiful day. In the afternoon had bat- 
talion drill on the old grounds on the south side of the Tuscaro- 
ra road. Field and staff turned out, and the occasion was quite 
novel and exciting. 

The log house which had been furnished with a canvas roof 
by the Christian Commission, as previously stated, proved a very 
convenient place for religious services on the Sabbath. Preach- 
ing service was held at eleven o'clock A. M., bible class in the 
afternoon, and services again in the evening. The chaplain was 
often assisted by some of the Christian Commission — Rev. A. 
V. Tilton, of Massachusetts, and Rev. Mr. Redlan, of Maine, 
preaching occasionally, much to the gratification of all. Bibles, 
testaments and other religious papers were furnished by the com- 
mission upon application on the part of the chaplain, and also 
writine material. 



332 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

The library which had been used at Halltown was removed to 
the chapel tent, and was consequently in use by the regiment. 
Private John Harrington still had charge of the tent and the 
library, and was very useful in this department as well as in the 
hospital. 

The tent had a platform and seats made of hewn logs, and 
was carpeted with wheat straw or sawdust. It made a pleasant 
place of resort during the da)' and evening for reading, writing, 
or singing. The Eighteenth retain \ery pleasant recollections 
of this building and its associations. It was especiallv \isited 
on the Sabbatli by citizens of the town, wiio seemed well j)leased 
with the intellectual and spiritual pri\ileges of the soldiers. It 
was quite agreeable to the men to receive these \isits from the 
towns-[)eople, both in camp and in their chapel. 

The month of .April ojiened with beautiful weather and excit- 
ing news from the front. For several weeks previously much 
interest hatl been felt in rumored movements of the arm\- of the 
Potomac, and the expectations of all were most hopeful and 
cheering. At dress-parade on the 2d there was unusual interest, 
and many citizens from town were present, and on the next day 
at dress-parade a dispatch was read from department head-quar- 
ters that Richmond was taken. Glorious news! The whole 
line broke out in the most vociferous cheering, in which most of 
the spectators joined. Everybody seemed almost frantic with 
joy, and greeted each other with the most hearty congratulations 
and expressions of delight. Cheers went up for the Union, Gen. 
Grant, and everybody. It was the most joyous day since the 
commencement of the war. Other great victories for the Union 
arms had given great joy to the nation, but the jubilation over 
this event exceeded all former demonstrations. It was the cli- 
max, the end of the terrible struggle which had cost so many 
precious lives, and desolated so many happy homes. When the 
men broke ranks that night it was with feelings of -'joy unspeak- 
able," and their minds filled with delightful thoughts of the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. m 



speedy end of the war. "This," said one of the men, "is what 
we have been striving for since the commencement of the war." 
The sun never went down on a happier set of men than the 
Eighteenth Connecticut on that eventful day. Singing, shout- 
ing, cheering, serenading by the band, and other demonstrations 
were the order of the evening. But what shall be said of the 
-doings of the following day, Tuesday, April 4th. Another great 
day; ~**ia high day." The papers were full of glorious accounts of 
the fall of Richmond, and the jo\'ous acclamations and rejoicings 
of the people all over the north and west. The whole people 
seemed to be almost delirious with joy, and every conceivable 
mode and manner were adopted in eftorts to express it. And 
then to add, if possible, to the public e.xcitement, a dispatch was 
received at Martinsburg that Gen. Lee's whole army had sur- 
rendered to Gen. Grant. The sensation and excitement were 
profound through the day, and no language could do the occa- 
sion justice. 

In the evening the citizens illuminated their houses, and 
everybody who could went into the town and joined in celebrat- 
ing the glorious event. The Union citizens were almost fran- 
tic with joy, and adopted a variety of ways to entertain and 
honor the soldiers, and the jo\' in all homes of the Union was 
sincere and unbounded. The men returned to camp to continue 
the celebration, and the band and drum corps played until nearly 
midnight. There was but little sleep in camp that night. 

The next day was another joyful occasion as the payinaster 
appeared at head quarters with a pile of greenbacks. The regi- 
ment received four months' wages, the disbursement commenc- 
ing with Company A at eight A. M., and ending with Company 
K at three P. M. Some of the men felt so good over the news 
that they went off "for a time," which, however, did not pay 
very well in the end, as most of them realized when they found 
themselves without most of their money, and suffering badly in 
mind and body. As a natural consequence it was very dull in 



334 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



camp next day, and the weather being unpleasant and rainy most 
of the time there was not much to do but to wonder what would 
turn up next, and how soon the regiment would be "marching 
home again." It was the general opinion that there would be 
no more fighting, and the soldiers would soon be on their way 
to their Northern homes. P)Ut how mistaken everybody was in 
their calculations. When the companies were ordered out for 
drill the next day it is no wonder there was grumbling. "What 
is the use of all this, now the fighting is all over?" was the com- 
plaint heard on all sides. The men did not realize how much 
service they must yet render the government in order to square 
the account with the Rebellion, and the idea of remaining three 
months longer was not indulged in for a moment. But stay they 
did, however, and the men had ample time to do a large amount 
of grumbling. 

April 14th was a day of great rejoicing, and in the evening- 
there was a grand illumination over Lee's surrender. Every- 
body seemed nearly crazy with joy. The Eighteenth, Coles' 
Battalion, (cavalry) Second Maryland, and a battery, marched in 
the procession through the streets of Martinsburg amid the most 
joyful demonstrations. 

It was a beautiful day, and the most joyful one the men had 
seen since they entered the public service. "We shall have 
peace now," was the happy thought that filled every breast. 
But when the .shades" of evening gathered around the camp that 
night they were emblematic of the darkness of the cominp- day, 
when a cloud of sorrow would envelop the nation. At "taps" 
the lights went out, and silence prevailed throughout the camp. 
It was the calm that often precedes the terrible storm. 

Early the next morning, April 15th, the astounding announce- 
ment was made from head-quarters that President Lincoln had 
been assassinated the previous evening in Ford's theatre at 
Washington, and that an attempt on the life of Secretary Seward 
was made at about the same time. If a thunderbolt from a clear 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 335 

sky had struck in camp, the event could not have been more un- 
expected, and the effect more terrible. It is impossible to de- 
scribe the effect of this sad news. The scene that tollowed nev- 
er had its parallel in the history of the nation. For awhile every 
one seemed paralyzed with grief and dread; many sat in solemn 
silence, others wept like children at the death of a father, while 
others seemed almost frantic with indignation and anger against 
the perpetrators of the foul and distardly deed that had plunged 
millions of the true and loyal of the land into an ocean of sorrow 
from the very height of joy and triumphant expectation. 
Through the day officers and privates sat or stood about in 
groups discussing the awful news, or reading the papers, eager 
to obtain further particulars of the fearful tragedy. 

At length the expected announcement came: "The President 
is dead. He died at half-past seven this morning. A nation 
mourns his loss." If the assassin Booth and his associates had 
been in the hands of the soldiers that day they would have been 
literally torn in pieces, so great was the indignation and rage. 

No regiment in the service mourned more sincerely the death 
of the President than the Eighteenth. Almost to a man they 
had voted for him the second time, and they loved him as the 
saviour of their nation, and the father of universal freedom in 
their country. There was hardly a man of them but who would 
have died to have saved his life to the country. But a myste- 
rious providence had ordered otherwise. It was the saddest 
day of the war. Profound sorrow prevailed throughout the 
north and west, and the people trembled with fear at events 
which came so suddenly upon them. 

April 16th. Sabbath. The chaplain preached a sermon at 
eleven A. M. Subject: "Confidence in God in times of public 
distress," in which frequent allusions were made to the great na- 
tional calamity. Unusual seriousness was manifested during the 
services. 

On April 19th, the day of the funeral of President Lincoln, all 



336 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

business and drilling was suspended, minute guns were fired, 
houses of citizens were draped in mourning, and flags were dis- 
played at half mast. The citizens almost universally participat- 
ed in the mourning, displaying many tokens of grief; among 
others burying a coffin with appropriate ceremonies. There 
were a few Rebellious spirits who did not hesitate to express 
their satisfaction at the death of the President, both at the time 
of the first news concerning it, and on the day of his burial. 
But they were made to understand if they did not keep quiet 
they would be dealt with in a severe and summary manner. At 
one or two places in Martinsburg there was a slight disturbance, 
but it was soon suppressed. Some of the loyal citizens declared 
they would shoot the first man who openly rejoiced that the 
President had been shot. It was (]uite evident that it would 
not have been safe for any Secessionist to have shown his colors 
that day in Martinsburg, while in many Northern towns and 
cities the rebel sympathizers did not hesitate to denounce the 
nation's martyr, and in some instances raised the rebel "rag," 
while citizens of Martinsburg were ready to shoot down the first 
man who should attempt such an insult. Rut it was a day of 
great and general sorrow when Abraham Lincoln was carried to 
his grave in the State of Illinois. 

The last half of the month of April was full of interesting in- 
cidents. A complete statement of the Washington tragedy, and 
the capture of Booth, the principal actor, and the surrender of 
Lee's army, continued to excite great interest. There seemed 
to be a general breaking up and dispersing of the rebel forces. 
Rossar and Imboden, noted ca:valry chiefs in the Shenandoah 
valley, surrendered to Gen. Hancock at Winchester. Quite a 
number from Lee's army came in at the Eighteenth picket- 
posts, and also a lieutenant of Moseby's command. They were 
very civil and seemed to rejoice that the war was over and they 
were going home. 

The news of Johnson's surrender was received with acclama- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. i^-j 

tioiis of jo\-. The Southern Confederacy seemed to be criimb- 
lini^ fast, and none appeared to rej^ret it, but rather rejoiced in 
its downtall, and were exceeding!)' anxious to bid it "good-by" as 
soon as possible. 

Capt. Charles IX Howen was reported this month as in com- 
mand of Company H, and it is needless to say this was very 
pleasing to his company, and to the whole regiment. 

Lieut. Scranton, of Company K, was reported on duty with 
the regiment. 

Lieut. E. D. Carpenter, Company FS, and others, came to the 
regiment at the very last of the month, and all received a cordial 
welcome to their respective posts of duty. 

First Lieut. I). \V. Hakes, regimental quartermaster, also re- 
turned, but was reported as honorably discharged for another 
post of duty. 

First Lieut. A. H. Lindsay was discharged for disability. His 
long imprisonment had destroyed his health and rendered him 
unfit for duty. His retirement was a source of deep regret, both 
to himself and Company A, of which he was an honorable and 
worthy officer. 



338 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHAPTER XVI. 



THE CLOSINC SCENES DEI'AK'I'UKE FOR HOME. 



The surrender of Lee and |ohnson wrought a marvelous 
change in the general aspect of things in and around Martins- 
burg, as well as elsewhere, and by the Ir^t of April there seemed 
to be a general breaking up of the Rebel on. 

Confederate soldiers were coming in every day and delivering 
themselves up to the proper authorities, or returning to their 
homes in a t]uiet and unobtrusive manner. They began to find 
that the Rebellion was stamped out, and they were willing to 
own it. But occasionally one and another would show a Rebel- 
lious spirit, soon recognizing, however, that silence was the bet- 
ter part of valor. 

The constant change of Union troops, the collecting of war 
materials and the disposition of the same, made the times rather 
lively just then. 

Orders had been issued at Washington to reduce the army 
immediately, or as soon as practicable, and it is needless to say 
that the blighteenth began to look for their discharge and return 
to Connecticut, Other regiments were ordered away, and troops 
were passing through Martinsburg, it was said lor a final dis- 
charge. 

On the first day of May the rumor was current that the Eight- 
eenth would be ordered home that week, and there was great 
excitement over the prospect. It was expected that the regi- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 339 



ment would be ordered to Washington, and the probability pro- 
duced a lively discussion among the soldiers. 

"Madam Rumor" came into camp every, day to tell of some 
new thing she had heard, and but for this the times would have 
been dull indeed. Company drill had become a nuisance, and it 
was evident that every time the companies went out for this 
duty they were inspired with no intention to over exert them- 
selves. There was a general disijosition to take things easy, and 
as the weather grew warm and pleasant the officers would amuse 
themselves by riding out into the country, and occasionally call 
on the "natives" to discuss refreshments and probable results of 
the war, and the times generally. 

The first Sabbath in May the Rev. Mr. Redlan preached in 
the chapel tent and was present also at dress-parade at five P. 
M., as was also Rev. Mr. Tilton, and a large number of citizens 
from town. It was an unusually interesting occasion. It was 
evident the regiment was not losing its 'interest and pride in 
dress-parades, but on the other hand every officer and private 
seemed to vie with each other in atCentionand promptness in all 
their movements. - •; 

What added very much to the interest of these occasions was 
the music furnished "by the new band,, under the leadership of 
Drum Maj. Alfred Pray. This was a fineacquisition. The instru- 
ments were furnished by a subscription among the officers and 
others favorable to the enterprise, and the members of the band 
gave special attention to their duties from the first, winning enco- 
miums from all for tliFn- excellent music at various times. At 
dre.ss-parade, May 7th, che band came out in full dress for the 
first time, and made quite a sensation by their neat appearance, 
good music, and exact movements. The regiment felt justly 
proud of them. Their uniforms were made in Baltimore, and 
were very becoming. 

Capt. Mathewson, Company K, Capt. Woodward, Company F., 
and Lieut. Loomis, Company H, who had returned from their 



340 EtcfHfEENTH REGIME NT 



prison life two days previous, were present on duty with others 
who had lately returned to the regiment. The rci^nincnt seemed 
'to be improving in appearance as to numbers and drill everyday. 

At this juncture of affairs there were some changes made that 
'were not so favorable for this purpose. Capt. Woodward was 
'-ordered on duty as provost marshal in town, and Capt. Kihbe 
d'nd'Lieut. Bixby, with th^ir respective companies, were sent to 
'ttagerstown 'to pick Up old army saddles, and other property 
belonging tt) Uncle Sam, which were found stored away in barns 
and dwelling houses in that vicinity. Capt. Mathewson was sent 
up tlir road, and Company A, under the command ot Lieut. 
Kerr, liown the road towards Harper's Ferry to guard the 
bridges and the railroad. 

Companies B and D arrived at Hagerstown on May loth. 
The first night they spent in the court house, and the ne.xt day 
went into camp a short distance from the town. In a few days 
comfortaltle quarters were secured in tents and log huts. For 
the latter some logs were found already for use, which saved not 
a little time in completing the arrangements for setting up house- 
keeping again. These companies were much pleased with their 
location and accommodations. One or both ol them had been on 
duty in this place before, and had become acquainted with some 
of the loyal citizens of the place and secured their good will, hence 
it seemed like being at home, the people were so friendly. As 
before intimated, the object of their presence at Hagerstown was 
to look after government property, and collect ail they could find 
scattered among the citizens in the shape of saddles, muskets, sa- 
bres and the like. The search for these was somewhat success- 
ful, and often quite e.xciting and amusing. The result of the first 
day's work in the town produced fifteen muskets, twenty-five sad- 
dles, ten carbines, twelve sabres, three Spencer riHes, and some 
minor articles. 

Another raid the next day on Funkstown resulted in securing 
ten muskets, two saddles, and one carbine; and on the same day. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 341 



in the direction of Sharpsburg, the men obtained two muskets, 
three sabres, and a good dinner and supper in an old farm house. 
The dinner and supper were the great captures of that day, over 
which the raiders had a fine time generally. 

The great event of the month of May was a large wedding in 
the -Southern Church among the "upper ten" of the place. 

On May 22d and 23d detachments were sent out in the direc- 
tion of Lightersburg and Greencastle, Pa., and returned with a 
few old saddles, muskets and one horse. 

Most of these expeditions were generally attended 1)\- an ar- 
my wagon to carry away the captures of the day. 

May 25th. The regimental band from Martinsburg arrived, 
creating quite a sensation. They remained two nights. In the 
meantime they serenaded the citizens of Hagerstown, much to 
their apparent delight, on two evenings until a late hour. The 
visit was a mutual pleasure, and when the musicians started on 
their return trip they were most vociferously cheered by the men, 
who thanked them again and again for their e.xcellent entertain- 
ments. 

The same day another expedition went off in the direction of 
Cavetown and Simsbiiry, ten miles away, and was quite success- 
ful in picking up old muskets and trumpery belonging to Uncle 
.Sam. A visi^ was also made to a celebrated cave in the vicinity 
of the former place, consisting of two apartments capable of hold- 
ing one thousand men each, and connected by small passages. 
This place was considered a great natural curiosity, and worth 
the pains to visit it. 

June 4th. Both companies went in a body to attend the fu- 
neral of Col. Israel Nesbitt, a prominent citizen of the town; the 
services being held in the Presbyterian Church, and largely at- 
tended. 

June 6th. The chaplain and Surgeon Holbrook arrived from 
Martinsburg on a visit. The latter returned the next day. 
The chaplain remained through the week, and on the Sabbath 



342 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



following preached in the Lutheran Church to citizens and sol- 
diers. A few days subsequently, Col. Peale and Quartermaster 
Johnson arrived, and remained a day or two. The colonel told 
the men they were soon to be mustered out of the service, which 
was good news indeed. The stay at Hagerstown was getting to 
be monotonous, and the duty irksome. There was but little go- 
ing on to relieve the tedium after the raidings ceased; some 
camp sports, such as playing ball, tossing the blanket, pitching 
quoits, going down town to the big spring to call on citizens, who 
in return visited the camp and brought "goodies" with them for 
general entertainment, and the like, completing the programme 
of exercises. Many of the men have very pleasing recollections 
of "Old Mother Kennedy's cakes, gingerbread and cherries, and 
the kindness of other citizens of the place, and would have it that 
the Hagerstown people were among the very best they had found 
in any place they had visited in the South. 

When not visiting in town the men managed to keep up their 
spirits by means of the sports already mentioned, and in getting 
up an occasional row in camp for variety, merely to show that 
some things could be done as well as others. This latter sport, 
however, was not relished ^ery well by officers, Kibbe and Bixby, 
and some of the "irregulars" were sent away to Martinsburg. 
Officers Carpenter and Francis attended to the dpilling and in- 
spection of the companies at various times, and a show of order, 
at least, was kept up. There did not seem to be so much neces- 
sity for strict military discipline, and when the lines were drawn 
there was more restiveness and complaint than would have been 
under other circumstances. 

There was quite an excitement in camj) on one occasion over a 
paroled rebel, who was brought in by the officers for protection, 
but the men made such a noise about it that the rebel was hur- 
ried away in fear of his life. No rebel could be tolerated b)- the 
men of the Eighteenth anywhere. 

The i8th of June was a memorable day. Capt. Bowen and 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. . 343 



Lieut. Locke arrived in camp, and at five P. M. an order was 
read to be ready to march at four o'clock the next morning. 
This order produced great excitement. It had been anxiously 
awaited for many weeks. The men began to grow impatient to 
be on the way home, and this order was all the more welcome, 
as it was equivalent to an order to go home in a few days. 

The next morning both companies were early on the march for 
Martinsburg, where theyarrixed about six P. M. quite exhausted 
after the heat and fatigue of the day. Not any strict discipline 
was enforced on the march, nor was it necessary. The men were 
properly allowed to make the distance with as little fatigue as 
possible. Nevertheless the men were more than glad when 
they arrived at the regimental head-quarters, amid the hearty 
greetings or salutations of their comrades. 

Company A had a pleasant position on the "Opequon," guard- 
ing a bridge. 

Much to the disappointment of the whole company Capt. 
Davis did not return after his release from rebel prisons, owing 
to poor health. He was honorably discharged on April 17th, 
about a month after his return from the South. The company 
always entertained a high regard for him as a gentleman and a 
soldier, and sincerely regretted his inability to return to duty. 

This company, under the command of Lieut. Kerr, maintained 
its reputation well for discipline and efficiency, and occupied an 
important position all the time it was in the service. Although 
the war was virtually closed on the ist of May, still the whole 
regiment was usefully employed in guarding and protecting the 
public interests. 

By the ist of June they were the only troops at Martinsburg, 
and Col. Peale was in command of the post. . The six companies 
at head-quarters were kept hard at work in collecting and guard- 
ing public property, maintaining excellent order and discipline, 
and were highly complimented, both by post commanders and 
the citizens generally, for the faithful discharge of duty. 



344 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Inducements were held out to many of the men to remain in, 
or to return to Martinsburg and vicinity, and become permanent 
•citizens after their discharge, and the remark was often made: 
"We want heaps of you Yankees to come down here and help us 
after the war." 

The last month the Eighteenth remained in the service at 
Martinsburg was spent in pleasant intercourse with the loyal cit- 
izens in that town and vicinity. Man)- of the men had found e.\- 
cellent places for foraging, and hardly ever returned empty 
handed after a half day's tramp into the country. Farmer 
Thatcher's was an excellent place, some three miles away, for 
hungry soldiers, and the old "hard shell Baptist," two miles south 
of Martinsburg, was a good place to go for the "doctrines," but 
it was the general opinion that he was an old rebel when it was 
for his interest to be. 

The big spring on the road to Winchester was a favorite place 
of resort, and the Baptist spring, a mile to the southeast, was 
often visited and canteens of water transported from that place 
to the camp. .Some of the men were delighted to find places of 
pleasant resort, and then invite the officers to go with them on 
their favorite expeditions; of course the leader of these explor- 
ing expeditions was furnished with a horse, and rode with the 
fleetest of the company. 

"Tom," of Company H, led his too willing followers into the 
fat places of the land, while "Father Boyden," of the same com- 
pany, and "Bill," of Company K, and "John" and "David," of 
Company B, and others equally well disposed, stood ready to 
lend a helping hand in anything that was good and entertaining. 

The country was beginning to look beautiful, and on pleasant 
days the raiding parties went out in all directions, gathering 
flowers, picking strawberries and cherries in their season, and 
having fine times generally. These pleasant trips furnished op- 
portunities for some of the officers' wives to become experts in 
the art of fine horsemanship. Among these ladies were Mrs. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 345 

Capt. Bowen and Mrs. Surgeon Holbrook, and those officers who 
had no "better halves" to conduct showed their gallantry either 
in inviting citizen-ladies to accompany them, or rendered them- 
selves useful in polite attentions to the whole company, or rode 
a little in the rear to sec the fun. It vvas observed that whenev- 
er Capt. B. rode, his companion's horse was very restive, and 
subject to sudden fits of starting, and sometimes there was real 
danger of a runaway. At one time the surgeon had his lady 
dismount, and the saddle was removed and examined to ascer- 
tain where it chafed or hurt the poor animal. "Yes, doctor, 
something must be the matter with thi:. saddle," was the joking 
remark among the boys. Hut thi; search was in vain for the 
cause of the trouble, until it was observed that Capt. B. had a 
mischievously sly way of doing some things as well as others. 
"Wasn't he a scamp," said one, "to conceal his riding whip in his 
sleeve, and then come along side looking sober and honest, while 
he plied the animal with his concealed tormentor, and then too 
he was seemingly so alarmed to see the smarting beast almost 
runaway; I never saw such a hector." Of course some of the 
party did see the point, and even the grave and dignified sur- 
geon had to join in the laugh once in a while, while the chaplain, 
on account of his profession, was excused entirely from the duty 
of manufacturing pleasantry for the occasion, or of showing any 
demonstrations of special interest in the same. 

A ride in the direction of the mountains at this season was 
exceedingly pleasant. Stopping one day at a farm-house and 
calling for water, the compan)- was invited into the "spring 
house," where there was not only an abundance of the best water, 
but a large quantity of milk in earthen jars, which were standing 
in the spring to be kept cool and for the cream to rise. There- 
fore instead of water, the company was invited to help them- 
selves to all the milk they could drink, which all were quite 
willing to do. 

The fact that the farmers in the vicinity of Martiiisburg were 



346 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

hospitable and cordial rendered such excursions acjreeable as well 
as profitable. Some of these persons had very sad stories to tell 
of their losses and privations during the war. At first many 
of the citizens sympathizf^d with their State, and sent or al- 
lowed their sons to enlist in the rebel army; but after the second 
year of the war, finding they had espoused a lost cause, they en- 
deavored to prevent the rest of their sons from entering the 
rebel army. 

These pleasure seekers of the Eighteenth were often entertained 
with thrilling accounts of the narrow escapes which some had 
experienced in their efforts to elude the rebel conscriptors. They 
had places of concealment in barns or in the mountains, to which 
they would resort whenever the rebels made their appearance in 
the valley, and it was amusing to hear them relate their adventures 
and narrow escapes. 

Farmer Thatcher, living at the base of the mountain, took con- 
siderable pride in describing to his visitors the wonders of his 
mowing machine. The war had done him some good, he thought, 
for it had made him acquainted with one Yankee invention which 
saved the labor of seven men. At the time referred to he had 
just come from his field to see who had come — it was the first or 
second day of his trial with the new machine. He had paid one 
hundred and fifty dollars for it, but he said it would soon pay for 
itself in labor saving. He felt so elated at his success he could 
not talk about anything else. After a good dinner his Yankee 
visitors left him with a promise to call again at his urgent request. 
And they did. 

While the main body of the regiment was doing service in 
Martinsburg, Company K was. as before stated, doing duty among 
the natives of Sleepy Creek and Back Creek, on the B. & O. R. R. 
The duty was very light and the inhabitants in the vicinity were 
kind and well disposed. The boys used to go back two or three 
miles into the mountains on friendly visitations to the people, and 
were treated to the best the house could afford. The inhabitants 
generally were very loyal. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 347 



On the day of President Lincoln's funeral, most of the company 
at Sleepy Creek went back into the country to hear a Methodist 
minister preach the President's funeral sermon. Although the 
population was quite sparse in that region, still a good congrega- 
tion was present, of all ages, who listened with deep interest to 
the patriotic utterances of the Methodist veteran. In all the land 
perhaps there was not a more loyal spirit manifested than on this 
occasion. 

The whole plot of the Rebellion, from the beginning to end, was 
severely denounced, as well as the leading conspirators, especially 
the murderers of the President, while the cause of the Union was 
most earnestly defended and justified, and an eloquent eulogy 
was pronounced upon the character of the noble band of martyrs 
who had been slain for their country, among whom Abraham 
Lincoln was chief. 

It is needless to say that this sermon gave the members of 
Company K great satisfaction, and they returned to camp loud 
in their praises of the old patriotic Methodist, who had done such 
ample justice to his subject. They did not believe a better ser- 
mon had been preached an) where that day, and wished more 
Northern men could have heard it. 

Among the pastimes of Company K were the "fiag raisings" 
among the patriotic mountaineers. These were quite frequent 
after the fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee and Johnson. 
Flag poles were raised in many places, and frequently the Eight- 
eenth Connecticut boys were invited to assist. These invitations 
were accepted with the greatest interest and enthusiasm, and 
sometimes one or more of their number would be called upon for 
a speech. Among the foremost who used to astonish the natives 
with his Yankee eloquence was "Jim Taylor." Now Jim was a 
queer genius, always full of oratory, and he would often get off a 
very good and appropriate speech. He was the same fim that 
used to fire off patriotic speeches at the visitors to Camp Aiken, 
at Norwich, while the regiment was getting ready for its three 



348 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



years' trip dcnvn South to "hang J eft. Davis to a sour apple tree." 
He had rather improved by practice, and it was thought by some 
that he could "spout" about as well as he could fight. It is certain 
he was considered quite a prodigy by the mountaineers, and was 
often invited to address them at "flag raisings," amid the most up- 
roarious enthusiasm. After their return to Martinsburg, Jim was 
sent for once or twice by his mountain friends to address them 
on other patriotic occasions. 

While at .Sleepy Creek, Capt. Mathewson was very sick, and 
Surgeon Holbrook was sent to his assistance, who after spending 
a few days with him brought the captain to the hospital at head- 
quarters. He did not return to Sleepy Creek. Lieut. Caruthers 
was ordered there on duty for a short time. 

On the first day of June quite an unusual and interesting event 
occurred, which produced considerable merriment among the boys, 
especially in Compaii) PL. The fact was Orderly .Sergeant An- 
thony Staubly, in some of his visits about Martinsburg, had cap- 
tured a prize, a Miss Jennie -Schelkey, and the question soon 
arose as to what disposition should be made of this fair acquaint- 
ance as spoils of war. .After much consultation and talk it was 
finally agreed that Jennie should go home with the Eighteenth 
Connecticut under the special command of Orderly Staubly, with 
the understanding that Miss Schelkey should become Mrs. Staubly, 
an arrangement the German lady was quite willing to give her 
consent to. Hence on the evening of the first day of June, (the 
month of roses,) there was a wedding in the east part of the town' 
in a very neat looking cottage occupied by the bride's parents, 
who seemed to be in pleasant circumstances, and quite well 
pleased with the contemplated change. 

A large number of the officers of the regiment were present, 
and several members of Company E. Among the number was 
the chaplain, who had the pleasure of showing how the North 
and the South could be united in the bonds of peace, and a per- 
manent union secured between the two .sections. Anthony and 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 349 



Jennie were married in the presence of a house full of citizens 
and soldiers, all of whom seemed to enjoy the occasion extremely 
well. Then followed an entertainment after the good old fash- 
ioned German style; wine and beer, cake and fruit were passed 
around in great profusion, and until a late hour there was music 
and dancing. 

The invited guests returned to camp very much gratified with 
the evening's entertainment. All agreed in the opinion that Or- 
derly Staubly had captured a splendid prize, and the uninitiated 
were recommended to "go and do likewise." Indeed the chap- 
lain remarked before leaving the wedding ])arty that 

"The problem is solved; we've learned how to carry 
All sections for the Union — it is to intermarry; 
To mix well the blood of the Johnnies and Yanks, 
As the most likely way to i-iire rebel pranks." 

He then added the following impressive e.xhortation: 

"O come boys and girls of tile South and the North, 
Haste to Hymen's altar, and then go forth, 
Being firmly united in marriage communion, 
And fore\er will lianish the idea of disunion." 

This exhortation was quite appreciated, as Lieut. Caruthers 
and several others of the regiment testified" to a few years later. 

The Christian Commission removed from Martinsburg the first 
week in June, as there were but a few soldiers remaining, and 
hence but little necessity for the continuance of its benevolent 
ministries. The members of the regiment, however, parted with 
the friends of this cause with much reluctance. 

The agents of the commission generally had proved true and 
reliable friends and helpers in time of need. First and last the 
regiment had received a thousand acts of kindness — reading mat- 
ter in great variety and abundance had been furnished without 
remuneration, and all kinds of hospital stores, medicines, fruits, 
stimulants, hosiery of all kinds, and other wearing apparel for the 
comfort of the sick and the wounded, and writing material of 



350 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



every description. The Christian Commission was the '•Good 
Samaritan' in the army, performing its compassionate mission 
with the utmost tenderness and fideHty. 

No regiment in the service cherished more grateful recollec- 
tions of the Christian Commission than the Eighteenth. Hence 
it was with a feeling of affectionate sadness they saw the agents 
of this great institution remove their effects from Marti nsburg. 

The canvas roof which belonged to the commission was re- 
moved from the chapel tent, and this created the necessity for 
breaking up public service in camp on the Sabbath, and for dis- 
tributing the regimental library to those who desired to preserve 
a copy of the books as a relic of army life. 

The chapel, with its reading and writing arrangements, and its 
Sabbath and evening religious services, and singing schools, had 
been of great service to the regiment. Those who appreciated 
their privileges bade farewell to them with many tender memo- 
ries, and at this distance are prepared to say, with reference to the 
pleasant times in the old "log chapel:" 

"Those were happy golden days 
Sweetly spent in prayer and praise." 

Religious services often appeared more refreshing and joyful 
than under more favorable circumstances at home. 

June 5th. A detail was made to bury a soldier of .Sheridan's 
army, a part of which passed through Martinsburg about this 
time for their homes in the west. As one of the trains was start- 
ing from the depot, this poor fellow by some means had been 
run over and killed outright. It was an affecting scene. He was 
the only son of a widow. It was a sad duty indeed for the chap- 
lain of the Eighteenth, with his men, to perform the funeral rites. 
How many soldiers' graves there were near the spot where this 
strange soldier was laid to rest. On his way home, full of hope 
and expectation, but in an hour when he thought not the voice 
of the great commander called him away to receive his final 
orders. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 351 

The corral was an enclosure on the southeast side of the town, 
where were collected army horses, and all sorts of war material con- 
nected with the trains, in which had been collected a motley mass 
of material which was finally disposed of by the agents of the 
government at auction. This property was guarded by a daily 
detail of men from the regiment, and on the whole the duty was 
quite an annoyance. The old broken down horses and dilapi- 
dated wagons and ambulances were hardly worth the pains taken 
to protect and save them for "Uncle Sam," and hence it was a 
great relief when the whole batch of mules, and trumpery gener- 
ally, was sold off to the highest bidder. "Let 'em slide," said the 
boys, "we are going home to the tune of Yankee Doodle, in a 
few days; we've seen enough ol old horses, and dumb-founded 
mules and jackasses." There was one mule, however, in which the 
whole regiment felt quite an interest, the one that Jim. Lafferty 
rode on the raid; "the old patriarch," as he was called, being quite 
white of old age. But he was gone, and, alas for poor Jim, he 
has gone too! But if Jim had had no worse enemy than the old 
patriarch he might not have gone so soon. Peace to his ashes. 

The old jail was another noted place which the boys had to 
guard at diff"erent times, and if none of their own number were 
ever guarded here the regiment was remarkably fortunate. At 
all events it has its memories and incidents of considerable inter- 
est. Guard duty ceased here about the 20th, as all the prisoners 
had been released. 

June 1 8th. Attended religious service in town, as the chapel 
was in ruins, as before stated. Mad a short speech and prayer 
at dress-parade by the chaplain. 

June 23d. Had dress-parade down town in front of head-quar- 
ters. Considerable indignation was felt by the boys at the ap- 
pearance of "Old Faulkner," as he was called, among the officers 
on the portico. But the old traitor himself seemed to enjoy 
it, and this was what was the matter with the men. It did not 
look enough like making treason odious. However, they had 



352 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



had a little revenge on the old fellow by cutting down his beautiful 
grove that he thought so much of. 

At the commencement of the war Faulkner was one of "Uncle 
Sam's" foreign ministers, but he came home and espoused the 
cause of the Rebellion, and the boys could not forgive him. His 
will was good enough at one time to have destroyed the Union. 
He did what he could to effect it, and Union soldiers thoroughly 
hated him. 

Many tender and stirring events were crowded into the last 
week of the Eighteenth's stay in Martinsburg. For ten days or 
more it was generally known in the regiment and among the 
citizens that the "mustering out" was near at hand. The com- 
panies which had been doing duty outside were called in, and 
their officers were very busy in making out papers for the 
final discharge. These were received as early as the 21st, and 
the next day (Wednesday) Col. Peale told the boys that they 
were to leave on the Monday following. This news was received 
with a universal shout of joy, and every man commenced at once 
to make arrangements for his departure. 

For sometime previous much leisure time had been employed 
in making trinkets and fancy articles, such as finger rings, picture 
frames, boxes, and many other curiosities to surprise the friends 
at home. These articles were made principally of black walnut, 
and showed the varied ability and ingenuity of the boys in the 
mechanical arts, and besides the work whiled away the time. Con- 
siderable time was spent in "packing up" for the final move. Calls 
and farewell visits were made to good and friendly people in and 
, around Martinsburg. 

After all the talk and worry about going home for weeks and 
months, still as the time drew near for the departure, there was 
a general regret in parting with the good friends of the 
place. For nearly two years these friends had improved ev- 
ery opportunity to show their appreciation of the friendship 
and services of the men who had left their quiet homes in the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



North to expose their health and lives in behalf of the loval and 
true of the South, and of the whole country. The names of these 
benefactors will ever be cherished with interest and affection by 
the Eighteenth. Among the most prominent of these were the 
Wysongs, the Gardners, the Staleys, the Suters, the Sliaffers, the 
Snyders, the Wilans and others too numerous to mention. 

The young ladies of many families showed every possible at- 
tention to the sick and wounded of all Union soldiers in the hos- 
pitals, and the blessing of many, once ready to perish, will always 
be with them. In some instances a friendshijj existed which 
ripened into a union for life, and now inany a once brave soldier 
is rejoicing in the capture he made while "away down South in 
Dixie." It is not surprising then that so many of the boys con- 
templated their departure from the scene of such friendshi[)s with 
sincere regrets. 

Unusual interest was also taken in the exchange of friendly 
congratulations among the members of the regiment at the glori- 
ous termination of the war; at their own preservation amid its 
dangers; the many hair-breadth escapes they had experienced, 
and at the prospect of being once more quiet citizens and neigh- 
bors in the "land of steady habits." 

Every day the officers' quarters, and every tent in camp, were 
the scenes of excited demonstrations with reference to "going 
home." Among others the chaplain's room, in a building a few 
rods from the camp, was often tilled with the men singing old 
familiar hymns, and talking over the wonderful past, and the 
prospective future. Several very affecting social meetings were 
held in that room after the dismantling of the chapel tent, which 
will never be forgotten. The chaplain had some difficulty in 
obtaining the room at first, owing to the opposition of some mem- 
bers of the family which occupied another part of the building, 
but the unpleasantness soon passed, matters assumf>da very pleas- 
ant aspect, and "all was quite on the Potomac." 

The chief article ol furniture was an armed chair made, of 

43 



354 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



black walnut rails, witli a cherry-wood seat. This was the work 
and gift of Father l^oyden, of Company H. It was such a curi- 
osity and convcnienct-. of course it could not be left in Virginia, 
and hence one of the boys took it in charge to bring home to 
Connecticut, and after a year or two it found a place in the edi- 
torial department of the Soldiers' Record. Little did the maker 
think when he was working away with only an ax, a saw and jack- 
knife, that he was whittling out an editorial chair, in the special 
interest of the soldiers of Connecticut, and of the country in 
general. Stranger things and more unlikely have happened and 
may happen again. 

Farewell visits also were made to various farm houses where 
the boys had been so often entertained. In one instance a party 
went out black raspberrying and had a tine time; stopped at a farm 
house and were treated to bread, milk, honey, butter and other 
good things in abundance. A farewell ride was made by several 
officers to Thatcher's farm, Dr. Magruder's, Mother Kennedy's, 
old "hard shell," and various other places of interest and profit 
to them at different times. The citizens, both in town and 
country, seemed to regret the anticipated departure of the regi- 
ment. They complimented the men for their good behavior, and 
wished them a safe and happy journey home. 

The last Sabbath was a beautiful June day. A memorable day; 
one of conflicting emotions of joy and regret. Those not neces- 
sarily employed in home arrangements went into town to church. 
It was difficult, however, to keep one's mind on the sermon in 
thinking over the changes of one )'ear and a half. 

The heavy tramp, tramp of arnied soldiers, and the clatter and 
noise of the cavalry were no longer heard in the streets, and 
worship was not disturbed by the startling sound of the "long 
roll," as in the winter of i86j; and 1864. Those were stirring 
times, filling men's hearts with fear and dismay. Now all was 
quiet and orderly, no noise and no confusion. Peace, sweet 
peace, was the blessing and privilege of the hour, and both citizens 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 355 

and soldiers seemed to appreciate it as they sat together that 
day in holy quiet, praying, "Our Father which art in Heaven," 
after which many tender farewells were given. 

At five o'clock, dress-parade, there was a service by the chaplain;: 
prayer was offered and parting counsels and advice were given. 
There was a great concourse of spectators present, and the scene 
was very solemn and impressive. The order to beready to move 
the next morning at five o'clock was received with great joy; and 
then the regiment returned to their quarters to spend their last 
night in Martinsburg, Va., as soldiers. No pen will ever be able 
to do justice to the parting scenes of that day, and the mingled 
emotions of the men as they lay down to take their last sleep, as 
they thought, in camp. 

The lights went out that night at "taps" as usual, but there 
kept burning a brighter light in the heart a long time after, be- 
fore the boys closed their eyes in sleep. How many times while 
in the service they could not sleep for pain or fear, and now they 
could hardly sleep for joy. Did any one dream of home, sweet 
home.'' 

June 27th, 1865, was a memorable day in the history of 
the regiment. Having served their government until the Re- 
bellion was crushed and peace restored, it was with feelings of 
exultation, and a just pride, that this movement of the Eighteenth 
Connecticut, who had participated in the stirring events which 
had secured such a glorious result, turned their faces once more 
toward their native State, and the loved ones at home. Twice 
during their term of service had the regiment been ordered home 
with the expectation of returning to the scenes of strife and death, 
but this time the order came to move under very different cir- 
cumstances. Every man awoke early. "Boys, do jou hear that 
music?" — morning reveille. "Listen, you won't hear that again 
in Martinsburg very soon." "Thank God," was the response 
from many a soldier who had long been sick of the "noise of 
war." The last relief turn their steps toward the camp, exulting 



356 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



at the thought of no more challeiiijing the sentries, and at an early 
hour the tents were struck for the last time, and about six o'clock 
A. M. the regiment was in line awaiting with intense excitement 
the command to march. This soon came, and the line moved 
through the town amid the cheers, waving of handkerchiefs, and 
farewells of the patriotic citizens of the place. The scene was 
intensely exciting and affecting. 

The Eighteenth left a host of friends in Martinsburg, and a 
"(.iod bless you" for every one of them. The skies that morning 
were dull and heavy, but not so the hearts of the boys, they were 
light and happy, even if Uncle Sam did not send them easy chairs 
to ride in to Harper's Ferry. For once the old box cars were 
quite tolerable and decent. At all events they would not be 
boxed up in that way many times more. 

The train moved ofT about seven o'clock A. M., while soldiers 
and citizens cheered loudly, and bade each other a hearty good- 
by. Arrived at Harper's Ferry between nine and ten o'clock. 
Spent the day in getting ready for the final muster out, which 
took place at six o'clock P. M., on the very ground where a little 
more than two years before the regiment formed in line for the 
first time on Virginia soil, preparatory to an advance on Win- 
chester. What a change! Then the battalion was fully one thou- 
sand strong, and subsequently increased by recruits to twelve 
hundred; now it numbered less than six hundred present and 
absent. 

All of the original members of the field and staff were absent 
but three, viz: Capt. Joseph P. Rockwell, First Lieut. William 
Caruthers, and Commissary Sergeant Henry Hovey; and these 
officers were not at this time acting in their original capacity, but 
were with their respective companies, e.xcepting Hovey. 

Of all the officers ol the line, June, 1863, only one-half were 
present at the final muster out. And the same was nearly true 
of the other members of the regiment. Considering the vicissi- 
tudes of nearly three years' service, it is a wonder that there were 
as many as the last roll indicated. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 35; 



The complete catalogue, which will be found hereafter, will 
show the exact number of all the officers and men, the date of 
their enlistment, promotions, casualities, and time of discharge. 

The little time the regiment occupied the old grounds of their 
first experiences in Harper's Ferry was full of interesting remi- 
niscences, and the men seenuul to live over their whole soldier life 
in a few hours. 

This place had been one of vcr)- exciting scenes at various 
times; their present farewell visit being the twelfth time thc^y had 
passed through this town during their sojourn in Maryland and 
Virginia. It will be memorable as the place of the last regimental 
muster, and official relations to the general government as sol- 
diers in the war of the Rebellion. 

June 28th. On the morning of this eventful day, at eight A. M., 
the Eighteenth bade a final farewell to the sacred soil of Virginia, 
passed over the iron bridge which spanned the Potomac, and was 
"homeward bound." 

Arrived in Baltimore at four P. M.. and at six o'clock of the 
same evening took the cars for Philadelphia, arriving about day- 
light the ne.xt morning. Marched directh' to the Cooper Institute 
rooms, where the regiment was served to a good breakfast. 
Nearly half a dozen times did the good people of the City of 
Brotherly Love bountifully supply the wants of the regiment 
during the war, and the most pleasant memories of their repeated 
acts of hospitality will ever be cherished by the members of the 
Eighteenth. 

At nine o'clock A. M. the; regiment passed over the river to 
the Camden and Amboy Railroad Station, and took the train for 
Amboy and thence proceeded to New York by boat. Had a 
very pleasant passage. Marched to Castle Ciarden, where re- 
freshments were provided, after which went on board of the 
steamer Granite State, and soon passed up the East River through 
Hell Gate, and when the sun went down the Granite .State was 
making excellent time for Hartford, arriving safely at that place 
the next morning at seven o'clock. 



358 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



The whole passage from Harper's Ferry was very expeditious 
and pleasant. The best of order prevailed throughout, and on 
arriving at Hartford the regiment was in excellent condition and 
spirits. 

The regiment as a whole would have been much better pleased 
to have been sent directly to Norwich, from whence it originally 
set out for war, and for the return thither considerable preparation 
had been made; still all were exceedingly glad to set their feet 
anywhere on Connecticut soil once more as citizens of a com- 
monwealth which had maintained such a glorious record during 
the war for the Union. 

The march from the boat into the city, and through some of 
its principal streets, created no litth^ excitement, and was splen- 
didly executed. 

The Eighteenth had come by boat — the Granite State — from 
New York, and reached Hartford shortly after seven o'clock A. 
M. This was earlier than they were expected, but the ringing 
of bells notified the people of their arrival, and a crowd soon col- 
lected and saw them disembark five hundred and fifty strong. The 
command was escorted by the city guards and was met every- 
where by a hearty welcome from the citizens. 

It was received by Governor Buckingham, the Hartford com- 
mittee on receptions, David Clark, Esq., chairman; the City 
Guard, Capt. John K. Williams; the Governor's Guard, Maj. 
L. £. Hunt, and by the senators and representatives from New 
London and Windham Counties, in which counties the regiments 
were mainly recruited. 

Marching up State Street a line was formed on Central Row, 
and the soldiers' were addressed by Governor Buckingham, who 
spoke earnest words of welcome, commended them for their en- 
durance and valor, and referring in fitting terms to those who 
had fallen while gallantl)- performing their duty. His remarks 
were admirably adapted to the occasion, and he was loudly 
cheered upon concluding. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 359 



Hon. George Pratt, representative from Norwich, then ad- 
dressed them substantially as follows: "Officers and soldiers of 
the Eighteenth regiment: In the name of the citizens of Nor- 
wich and New London County, whom I in part represent, I bid 
you welcome home. My mind cannot fail to go back to that day 
when a thousand strong you marched forth from the streets of 
Norwich full of hope, bearing with you our love and admonition. 
We welcome you back sadly thinned in numbers, and as I look 
upon your ranks, I look in vain for the many faces I once knew 
and loved. Porter and Maginnis who lie buried beneath the 
sod of the Shenandoah Valley. I look in vain for Payne and 
Culver, who lie by their side, and for the many heroes who are 
silent in death. All honor to them, and all honor to the return- 
ing brave. We have looked upon your record with pride. Al- 
though overwhelmed by numbers in the bloody battle of Win- 
chester, your honor was untarnished and your fame has been 
brightened by successive victories. Words fail me as I attempt 
to find fit expressions of welcome for the returning heroes. You 
have helped to dedicate anew the cause of freedom, and save our 
glorious Union. May God bless you for your heroic endeavors. 
Your country will hold you in lasting honor, and your children's 
children will point with pride to your glorious record." Mr. 
Pratt closed by alluding to the glorious termination of the reo-i- 
ment's career, and expressed the hope that the regiment would 
be assembled in Norwich. 

Hon. E. H. Bugbee, of Killingly, State senator from the four- 
teenth district, was next introduced. He said in substance: 
"Officers and soldiers of the Eighteenth Regiment: In the name 
and in behalf of the representatives of the County of Windham, 
assembled here to do you honor, I bid you a most hearty and 
cordial welcome. Yes, thrice welcome. Soldiers of the PZight- 
eenth, three years ago, of your own free will, you became soldiers 
of the Republic. Forsaking, of your own accord, the peaceful 
vocations of life, you went forth to do battle for the rights and 



36o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the life of the nation, and because of your valor and heroism we 
have a national existence. We are free — all the people of this 
land are free- — because when the war came we found brave men 
who swore that the nation should not perish, but that it should 
live. To you and the soldiers of the great grand army of the 
Republic we are indebted for the preservation of the Union, and 
a race is also indebted to you for its freedom. Your names and 
your great deeds have become immortal, and this people shall 
erect monuments to the memories of those who have fallen, and 
inscribe thereon in letters that shall never fade, the names of 
the fallen braves, and your names too shall be preserved 
through all the centuries of our national existence. We cannot 
repay you tor the services you have rendered your country, but 
we again welcome you to the State, and to your homes. 

At the suggestion of David Clark, Esq., the citizens gave three 
cheers and a tiger for the soldiers; following which Hon. John 
T. Wait, of Norwich, State senator from the eighth district, 
was called upon and spoke briefly. His remarks were very touch- 
ing, his emotion being so great that he was almost overcome. 
[He lost his only son, a noble young men, at the battle of Antie- 
tam, and the thought of him was natural on such an occasion.] 
In his expressions of love for the old Hag, and his allusions to 
the war and its results, he was earnest and eloquent. Three 
cheers were given him as he concluded. 

Col. John T. Bissell then received the regiment in behalf of the 
citizens of Hartford. Though they came from another section 
of the State, yet it afforded him no less pleasure to speak of their 
valor and patriotism. His remarks were very appropriate, and 
the usual cheers were given upon his conclusion. 

Breakfast was served to the regiment after these ceremonies 
at the United States Hotel, Trumbull House, Allyn House, and 
subsequently the men were escorted to the Park Street camp 
where they were to be mustered out of State service. 

The officers who returned were: Lieut. Col. Henry Peale, 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 361 



Maj. Joseph Mathewson, Adjutant George W. Hrady, Chaplain 
William C. Walker, Surgeon L. Holbrook, Asst. Surgeon C. H. 
Rowe, Quarter-master N. P. Johnson, Captains I. N. Kibbe, J. 
P. Rockwell, M. V. B. Tiffany, J. E. Woodward, Horatio Blanch- 
ard, C. D. Bowen, John Lilly, E. J. Mathewson, S. T. C. Mer- 
win, F. G. Bixby; Lieutenants John A. Francis, William Ca- 
ruthers, A. S. Granger, A. W. Loomis. E. S. Hinckley, E. D. 
Carpenter, Frank McKeag, C. A. Murray, Robert Kerr, and 
A. G. Scranton. 

At once the regiment were furloughed to their homes. 

On the hfth of July the Plighteenth returned to Hartford. On 
the si.xth they turned over their arms, equipments, colors, etc., 
to the State authorities, and on the 7th were paid off, received their 
final discharge, and were no longer an organization. 

In a few hours thereafter the trains for the eastern part of the 
State were crowded with happy men singing "Homeward 
Bound," and elated with the most joyous anticipations. 

The war was ended, the Rebellion was crushed, the "old flacr" 
and the nation were redeemed, and the institutions of freedom 
made secure. 



362 EICHTEENTH REGIMEN! 



CHAPTER XVII, 

PRISON LIFE. 



War at the best is cruel sport, and its darkest aspects but a 
repulsive record of trials, hardships, sufferings and death — a 
sombre picture that is briijhtened and redeemed only by exhi- 
bitions of those higher qualities of manhood in heroic deeds on the 
battle-tield or in uncomplaining fortitude in hospital and prison. 

The writer was an eye witness of the sufferings of men on the 
march, in hospitals and amid the horrors of the battle-field, and 
often wondered how the soldier could endure such heart-crushing 
experiences. Of prison life he had no personal knowledge, and 
it belongs to those who were subjected to the cruel barbarism of 
the rebels in prison-pens to give a detailed account ot their ex- 
periences. It is an "old story" now, but it is due the memory of 
the heroes who suffered, starved, and in too many cases died in 
rebel prisons that a partial record should be handed down to the 
generations to come. In chapters \T. and VII. we have given a 
detailed account of the capture at Winchester, Va., and im- 
prisonment of a large portion of the rank and file of the hight- 
eenth Connecticut \'olunteers. In those chapters will be found 
a description of Lihby prison; scenes in the daily life there, and 
of the ever memorai^le "tunnel enterprise;;" also a reference to 
the time when the offictMs of the regiment were exchanged and 
sent back into our lines. The following extracts will show how 
those officers fared who were not fortunate enough to be included 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 36; 



in the exchange made in March. 1864. The experiences of one 
prisoner were very nearly the experiences of all in Danville, Va., 
Andersonville and Macon, Ga., Coluinhia, and elsewere. 

NARRATIVE OF SECUNU LIEUT. JAMES Ij. HKiiilXS. ( U.MPANV A. 

This officer was taken prisoner near Winchester, J une 1 5th, 
1863, and confined in Libby prison till May 7th, 1864, when he 
was sent to Danville, ami thence on May 12th to Macon, Ga. 
The change from the prison to the stockade, he says, was greatly 
enjoyed, as in the latter place he was out of doors; but the 
rations were poorer, if possible, than in Libby. 

A very small, poor piece of bacon and a similarl)- small allow- 
ance of corn meal, without salt, made a very unpalatable meal. 
On the F'ourth ot July four conirades raised money enouiJ-h to 
buy one small onion and tht^y congratulated themselves that they 
would provide a treat for dinner in the shape of a soup. They 
placed their bacon and ()iii(jn in a pot over the fire and the 
stew was progressing finely when they heard a great commotion 
outside — a crowd of soldiers were cheering and shoutini'^ joy- 
ously. The diversion was caused over the exhibition by a new 
recruit of a tiny silk Hag — the old stars and stripes, which some 
of the prisoners had not seen for a \ear or more. It was a uhd 
sight, and all cheered and sang lustily. 

The guard ordered them to disperse, but as soon as he was 
out of sight the prisoners crowded around the recruit and his 
flag, cheering and singing. This was kept up for several hours; 
but. alas for the dinner! When the cooks returned to their soup 
they found it burned past redemption. No dinner that dav. 
Lieut. Higgins further says: "When the rebels saw that Gen. 
Sherman was likely to capture .Atlanta, they concluded that 
Macon was not safe from his raids, and hence all tiie prisoners, 
e-vcepting the sick, were ordered to Charleston. There were 
twenty-three officers in the hospital, among whom were Dr. Har- 
rington and Lieut. Scranton, and myself. Learning that they 



364 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



were to be left without nurses, I applied for and received per- 
mission to remain and care for them. The rebels now began to 
fill up the stockade with the wounded from Sherman's army, and 
during the three weeks following I saw more human suffering 
than I had ever witnessed before. Men wounded in every con- 
ceivable manner were brought in in army-wagons, and dump- 
carts, piled upon each other almost like cord-wood, and in 
a manner entirely regardless of the nature of their wounds. The 
rebel guard apparently paid no more attention to their shrieks of 
ag'onv than they would to the howling of a dog. 

"At length, on account of the capture of Atlanta, an order came 
to send all the Yankee officers, the sick as well as the sound, to 
Charleston. On the day of our departure the officer in charge 
made out a roll of the officers, but accidentally my name was 
not taken. About two o'clock P. M. several ambulances arrived, 
.and the officers, as their names were called, were placed therein. 
I was left alone. Lieut. Davis, the officer in charge, inquired: 
'Hasn't ) our name been called?' 'No, sir,' I answered. 'What 
is your name?' he asked. 'J. I). Higgins,' 1 replied. 'Run 
along,' said he, scribbling my name on the roll without asking 
anything further. Arriving at the depot, the whole party, now 
numbering thirty-four men, were placed in an ordinary freight 
car, with straw mattresses for four of the worst cases. We left 
Macon about three o'clock P. M., and arrived at Augusta the 
next morning; and thence were sent to Charleston, .S. C. I pro- 
cured a morning paper, and my attention was arrested by a tele- 
gram announcing that all non-combatants in Charleston were to 
be released on the next day under a flag of truce. I congratulated 
Dr. Harrington on the probability of his being included in the list, 
when it suddenly occurred to my mind that here was a chance for 
me. I soon saw the corporal of the guard reading the roll of 
prisoners, and he allowed me to look at it, holding it himself. 

"On coming to my name, I pretended to be indignant because 
the column opposite to it was not filled out, and asked the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 365 



reason. He replied that probably it was a mistake, but he would 
make it right. Taking his pencil he tilled the blank as I dictated: 
'Assistant Surgeon One Hundred and rwenty-Third ( )hio Volun- 
teers, captured at Lynchburg, Va., June iSth, 1864.' I retired well 
pleased and confided my secret to Dr. Harrington and my inti- 
mate friends. When we arrived in Charleston the provost 
marshal met us at th(; depot, and after looking over the roll 
called for the three surgeons whose names he noticed. We im- 
mediately presented ourselves, and were told that the next morn- 
ing we could be sent into the Union lines, or wait until the ne.xt 
boat. We preferred to improve the first opportunity, and after 
the rest had been sent to the hospital went with the officer to his 
quarters, remaining there until midnight. I stretched mjself 
upon the floor and tried to sleep, but it was im[jossible. The 
uncertainty of my position strained mj' nervous system to its 
utmost. My heart felt as large as my head, and 1 could hear 
every beat as plainly as the stroke of a hammer. The welcome 
morning dawned, but I could eat nothing, the food stuck fast in 
my throat. About seven o'clock we were formed in line and 
marched to the truce-boat, which started at nine o'clock A. M. 
There was no cabin on the boat, so we were placed on the for- 
ward deck, made to sit with our backs to the rail and a guard 
was placed over us to keep our heads bowed down so that we 
could not see the rebel fortifications. 

"We met the P'ederal truce-boat, the Wyoming, half a mile 
below F"ort Sumter, and as the rebel craft hauled along side, 
we were allowed to rise, and the first thing that met our eyes 
was the glorious stars and stripes waving protectingly over our 
heads. An involuntary shout burst from all as we sprang to our 
feet, which was promptly suppressed by the guard. After an hour 
and a half, which seemed an age, each prisoner, as his name was 
called, marched on board the Wyoming. That gang-plank seemed 
to me the dividing line between lile and death. At one end life, 
liberty and all I held dear on earth, at the other a loathsome 



366 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

dungeon, starvation and perhaps death. I hurried forward, 
crossed the plank and reached the deck of the Wyoming, but the 
feeling of dread that 1 mii^dit not \et be safe caused me to get out 
of sight at once. \\ hen the bow of the boat was turned in the 
opposite direction, and we got underway, then did I realize that 1 
was free, and my pent-up feelings found relief. I danced, I 
laughed and cried like a lunatic, till the other doctors stared in 
amazement. I)ut why shouKI they understand my feelings? Not 
one of them had been a prisoner over four months, while 1 had 
had a bitter experience of fifteen. 

When the boat arrived at Hilton Heatl, and Harrington was 
taken to the hospital, Lieut. Higgins went before Lieut. Col. 
Woodford to prove his identity, and the colonel immediately 
said: "I know )'ou; you are a line officer. You can go to the 
pay-master and draw some money with which to buy clothing, 
and be ready to go back to-morrow." One of the surgeons who 
had been a prisoner oidy four months had betrayed him. 

At this discovery Higgins became desperate, and said: "I nev- 
er will go back alive." The colonel replied: "It is no use to 
talk in that way; you must go back." Higgins responded: "Why 
not send a well line officer back in my place;, now that I have got 
so far? I o send me back now would be sending me to death. 
I shall be thrown into a tlungeon and that will end ;dl, (or I can- 
not bear much more." 

"No," was the repl\-, "they had agreed to e.xchange only non- 
combatants, and you must go back." 

Higgins sa)s; "Imagine my feelings; thrown from the moun- 
tain top of e.xpectant joy down into the valle)' of deep despair. 
1 then w(;nt to see Dr. Harrington, but he had been sent to 
Beaufort. I felt my last hope was gone, and 1 must devise some 
wav of escape, for 1 could never go back. 1 thought of a friend 
of mine, Charles Dennis, of Norwich, and to him I went and 
told my story. He said he thought he could help me. He had 
a ship that would sail for New York the next day. The cap- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 367 

tain came in at that moment and went with me into an adjoining 
room, where I told him my story, and the kind-hearted sailor 
said: 'I will help you. My ship sails to-morrow at noon. Come 
on board in good season, and I will see what I can do for yon.' 
Towards night, as I was walking on the beach, I met Col. Wood- 
ford, and as he walked slowly by, without looking at me, he said: 
'The ship, Carnac, sails to-morrow at twelve o'clock. You will 
be searched for.' Whether his heart had softened, and he 
wished me to elude the searchers <uid escape, so that he would 
not have to send me back, I never knew, but my feelings toward 
him were changed for the better. Next day, toward noon. I 
went on board the ship without being challenged, as I had on Dr. 
Harrington's coat — after that I sent it to him at Beaufort. The 
captain accompanied me down to the steward, who took me in 
charge, gave me a cap and apron and set me to work, just be- 
fore twelve o'clock the soldiers came on board the ship in search 
of me. The\- came into the stewartl's room and said: 'Who 
have you here?'' The rcpl\- was: 'None but my men.' The sol- 
diers .seemed satisfied and went away. Then I came out from 
my hiding place, and felt as though I was on my way to freedom. 
Arriving in New York 1 began to fear again lest 1 might be tak- 
en back. I did not leave the shij) for an hour or more, and then 
I hurried into a street car, went to a hotel and did not go out till 
dark, when I took the cars for Havre de Grace. I began to 
think then I was a free man, and yet I could hardly realize it. 
I felt a;', if I were dreaming. I would pinch myself to see if I 
was not asleep. It was many weeks before I could feel a cer- 
tainty of my freedom.' 

Lieut. Higgins was very ill for a number of weeks after his re- 
lease, and although he lived a number of years after the war, he 
died a victim of the rebel prisons. No one will question his 
methods to regain his libert)' after so many months of suffering 
from the barbarisms of the .Southern Confederacy 



368 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



EXPERIENCES OF SECOND I.IKUT. E. 1). CARPENTER, COMPANY B. 

This officer was captured on June 15th, 1863, at the Winches- 
ter battle, and was sent to Libby prison where he remained ten 
months and a half. Then he was taken to Danville and thence 
to Greensboro, Salisbury, Charlotte, N. C, Columbia, S. C, and 
Augusta, Ga. At this place he made his escape, and after pro- 
ceeding north for two days was captured. He was treated kind- 
ly, however, and taken back to Augusta and placed in jail for 
one night; thence being sent to the stockade at Macon. He 
says: "I found upon my arrival that the rebels had made no 
preparation for our shelter, and we had to construct such as we 
needed. We were in a stockade containing about two acres of 
ground. We remained here about two months. Our fare con- 
sisted of corn meal, and poor bacon alive with maggots, and a 
very little rice. We remained until fears were entertained of a 
raid from Sherman, when we wer^e sent to Savannah, and thence 
to Charleston. While at Savannah I was attacked with a diar- 
rhea, which never left me while I was a prisoner. At Charleston 
I was put in the city jail yard, one of the most abominably filthy 
places I ever saw; and there I ate and slept in grit and dirt. 

"Remained about two weeks, while the Union shells were con- 
tinually passing over us, going steadily farther and farther into 
the city each day. The yellow fever breaking out among us, 
after a three weeks' stay we were taken to Columbus, fifteen 
hundred of us in all, to a high tract of land about three miles 
from the city, including four acres nearly covered with pines, 
and here we were turned loose to browse with no shelter. The 
rebels allowed us one ax to every two hundred men. Those 
who had money purchased additional ones, and after two months' 
work we succeeded in providing ourselves barely a shelter from 
the cold storms. But other poor fellows were not so fortunate, 
but remained for weeks with no shelter, and little clothing, ex- 
posed to the pouring rains. This state of things produced uni- 
versal discontent. Having no stockade around us, many of us 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 369 



made efforts to escape, and altooether three hundred succeeded 
at various times in getting away. 

"On December loth. 1864. I was moved for the last time, being 
obliged to go to the hospital. I had become so weak that I could 
hardly keep about; but relief came at last in the advance of 
Sherman's army. On February 13th. 1865, at about nightfall. 
while it was raining in torrents, word came for our officers to get 
ready for removal to Charlotte, N. C. All the men were able to 
go except four, myself being one of th(,' number. 1 was trans- 
ferred to another hospital in the city wiiich was used for Con- 
federate sick and wounded soldiers. Two days after the shells 
from Sherman's batteries began to dy over the city, causing 
great consternation among the rebels, and preparations were 
made to remove the inmates of the hospital out of the range of 
the firing. I felt perfectly calm; indeed the noise and hissing of 
the shells was the most enjoyable music that had greeted my ears 
for a long time. 

"I was in ho|)es that the officers in charge would allow me to 
remain quietly where 1 was to be recaptured by our forces; but 
the order soon came to get up and dress and be ready to move. 
I was greatly disappointed. The hospital was a large building, 
consisting of two wards. No. i, and No. 2, and 1 was in the upper 
story. The guards began to remove the inmates and had cleared 
the upper ward. I was below waiting my turn. I returned up stairs 
to get something that I had left behind, and while there the- 
thought occurred to me of trying to escape. I hastily concealed 
myself under a bunk, pulled down the blankets to the floor, and 
there I lay quietly until the rebels retired, and was not missed. 
They had carried all the sick away and as I was not visible evidently 
they supposed I must have been among the first to be moved. The 
rebels ne.xt put a large gang of negroes to work removing the 
bedding; and as they worked away one of them came along 
where I was, and lifting the blankets seemed much alarmed on 
discovering me and sprang back inslanlly. I nuitiuncd to him 



370 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

to be quiet and go away, and he did so. But as soon as he 
was alone, he returned and inquired who I was. When I told 
him. he seemed much pleased and expressed the hope that I might 
get safely away. He told me that as soon as the bedding had 
been removed the rebels would lock up the building, and asked 
me how I would be able to get down stairs. I told him that I 
would find a way. It was about two o'clock 1'. I\I. when I got 
under the bunk, and at about four o'clock all was still. I re- 
mained quietly unlil after liark, when the door was unlocked and 
I heard voices. The ward masters an<l assistants had come in to 
spend the night. .So here was a fix. How would I be able 
to get out unobserved. There- was a fire-place at each end of the 
room. My visitors built a lire in the one opposite to me, and 
while tliey were all seated and busy talking I made my way to 
the door, got under a liunk and w.iiled for a favorable opportunity 
to escape. 

I heard them talking .d^out mvself and wondering how I dis- 
appeared so suddenly. At about nine o'clock I got out un- 
observed. My first purpose was to luid a negro who would direct 
me to a place of safety till .Sherman should enter the city. I was 
not successful, and I h-arned afterward that the negroes were 
locked up during the night in their (juarters. I had become very 
faint and hungr)- and as all the stores were closed up, my only 
chance was to apply at a private house. I went to a large dwell- 
ing, rapped, was admitted, and four or five ladies came into the 
hall and surveyed me from head to foot. They asked me where I 
lived, and 1 replied: '.At Saxannah;' 'but' said 1, 'the Yanks are 
there now, and 1 cannot go home.' Ihey asked me to what regi- 
ment I belonged, and I told them that I was connected with none, 
being on hospital service, and that I had been moving patients 
that day so as to be able to get them out from under fire of Yankee 
batteries. In the meantime one ot the ladies had got me some 
cold meat and bread, and invited me to sit down and eat. But 
I explained that it was late and that 1 would prefer to take the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 371 



food in my hand and be goino'. I gladly went on my way, anx- 
ious to escape further cjuestions. 1 then matle a bold push to 
get lodging for the night, as I found that I was failing fast in 
strength. I at once proceeded to a hotel where 1 found lodging, 
I registered as 'J. C. Cady, Charleston, S. C.,' and immediately 
retired to a good bed in a room by myself. I lay till nine o'clock 
the next morning, when one ot the servants came and told me 
they were going to shut the hotel as there was great excitement 
in the city. I arose and after long waiting got a pretty good 
breakfast. I found that 1 had been stopping at Gen. Beauregard's 
head-quarters, and that he had left about an hour iiefore. As I 
went out ot the hotel, 1 saw the Confetlerate cavalry on all sides 
and about me. At al)out eleven o'clock 1 saw a Hag advancing 
up the street, and I could lianlly believe my eyes as my glance 
fell on the .stars and stripes, the dear old Hag, which had not 
greeted me before for two years. 

The flag came up rapidly in the direction of the .State house 
and as it passed me I took off my cap and cheered lustil\', causing 
some a.stonishment in the street. .Soon 1 saw the infantry ap- 
proaching. Gen. .Sherman at the head, with Gen. Howard by his 
side. Their presence called forth cheer after cheer from the 
soldiers. That night Columbus was burned. It was a grand and 
awful sight. I was taken in charge by the surgeon-in-chief, put 
into an ambulance and accorded the best ol treatment." PYom 
this place Lieut. Carpenter was taken to Lafayette, N. C, thence 
to Wilmington, and thence by steamer to Baltimore, where he 
arrived safely, and found himself once more among old fric-nds. 
After a short visit to Connecticut he returned to the regiment in 
early spring, and was mustered out of the service on June 27th, at 
Harper's T'erry. 

(APT. JOHN E. Wi loDWAkI), ro.MPAXV V. 

This patriotic officer was another victim of the first Winchester 
fight. His experiences in rebel prisons was much the same as 
those already described. In his account of his prison-life he 



372 , EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



speaks first of his comparatively pleasant ride by rail, under the 
Blue Ridge mountain, of his arrival at Libby, which he designates 
"a hell upon earth," and of the greetings from Gen. Straight's 
command, which awaited all the new arrivals of "fresh fish and 
Milroy's thieves." He goes on to say that the severity of Libby's 
barbarities was somewhat mitigated for a while by the arrival of 
boxes of food and clothing from the dear ones at home, also of a 
large box of similar articles from his own company, which were 
divided among our squad. 

This transfer to Danville, and thence to Macon, was rather an 
improvement on Libby. He speaks of Gen. Stoneman's failure, 
and the presence of so many of his command as prisoners, as an 
occurrence that "brought tears to our eyes." He was placed 
under the "fire of the Yankee batteries at Charleston." "The 
rebel officers, however, treated us kindly and respectfully for 
prisoners of war, giving us more and better rations than we had 
at any other point. The reason was that they had been 
prisoners themselves at the North, and knew the difference 
between our treatment of them and that which was our lot to 
suffer by orders of their government." From Charleston he was 
sent to Columbus and suffered barbarities characteristic of that 
place which have been already described. The guard was composed 
of "Georgians and IVIar)'landers, cold-blooded beings — the worst 
type of men." He adds: "We often thought the Virginians were 
bad enough but this set could discount them fifty per cent." On 
the arrival of Sherman's army at Columbus, the Yankee prisoners 
were dispatched, about the 15th of February to Charlotte, 
N. C; thence to Greensboro and thence to Raleigh. In these 
transfers the captain saw a probability of an exchange being sent 
to Waldoboro. "On the following day, March ist, 1865." he 
says, "to our great joy we bade good-by to Southern Confeder- 
acy at the Northeast Bridge, N. C, after twenty months and 
fifteen days of suffering confinement in rebel prisons." The 
rest of the story must be told in his own language. "Outside of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 373 

Wilmington, N.C., we were received into the Union lines by our 
own State volunteers, the Seventh Reoiment, who were acting as 
provost guard; and here, for the first time since the beginning of 
our imprisonment, our eyes, full of tears, saw the old Hag, which 
seemed dearer to us than ever before. Never can I forget that 
glad day, nor the joyful excitement experienced by those of us who 
had suffered such a long continement. At Northeast Bridge 
our troops had erected an arch of tlags and evergreens, inscribed 
with the word, 'Welcome,' and under this we marched 
dancing with joy and with clapping o{ hands, while the bands 
played, and the air rang with wild huzzas! This was the first 
time that we had seen our colored comrades. Four brigades 
were drawn up on each side of our route to receive us. 

"I have often thought of the enjoyment of children at play, 
in connection with our feelings that day, but no group of little 
ones might be compared, except in their emotions, with our worn 
out, starved and half-tlead officers who acted out their chililhood 
again. Slept at Wilmington that night after receiving our first 
rations at the hands of colored troops, and on the day following 
sailed for Annapolis, Md.. .irriving there t)n .Sunday evening. 
Here I donned a new suit of blue, and was granted a lea\r of 
absence to my home; the reader can guess the rest. 

"Rejoined my regiment May 6th, 1 S65, at Martinsburg." Capt. 
Woodward gives the names ot the officers who were with him in his 
prison life, according to his best recollection, as follows: Capt. 
Henry C. Davis, First Lieut. Adam H. Limlsey, Company A; 
Capt. J^zra J. Mathewson, .Second Lieut. Asahel (i. .Scranton. 
Company K; Capt. Charles 1). Howen, First Lieut. Andrew 
W. Loomis, Second Lieut. William H. Locke, Company H; 
Second Lieut. Francis McKeag, Company F; First Lieut. .Samuel 
T. C. Merwin, Company C. 

Could the experiences of all these men, together with those of 
other ofificers of the regiment named elsewhere, be written, 
the record would be sufficient to fill a large volume. From the 



574 ElGHtnEMTH REGIMENT 



narratives in these patjes we may learn at least soniething^ of the 
sufferino^s and hardships of all. In some instances the men suf- 
fered worse than a thousand deaths, and their names may be 
justly enrolled on the roster of those who were martyrs for the 
salvation of their beloved country. It is a remarkable fact that 
of the officers who were incarcerated in rebel prisons, most of them 
for over twenty months, not one of them actually died in prison. 
How it was possible that so many should have survived this bar- 
barous, and inhuman treatment, is a marvel. It must be said, 
however, that very few of them returned but with shattered and 
broken-down constitutions and afflicted with a complication of 
diseases that resulted in early death. Nearly one-half since then 
have obeyed the call of the yreat commander and their battle of 
life is ended. 

If the officers suffered thus severely in imprisonment what 
shall be said of the fate of the private soldiers? They wore no 
stars and straps to entitle them to respect, or at least to more 
humane treatment, it being generally admitted that an officer was 
accorded more privileges, either out of regard to his rank, or on 
accovmt of his having more means at his command to purchase 
comforts of life. It every soldier had written the story of his priva- 
tions and sufferings while in |jrison, the record would equal in its 
pathetic and affecting incidents any book of martjrs ever penned. 

James S. Bigelow, Company I, was six months a prisoner at 
Belle Island and I)an\ille. He was marched barefooted from 
Winchester in June, 1863, to .Staunton, thence conveyed to Rich- 
mond in a rickety cattle car, thence to Lynchburg and tJien on 
to Danville, where he was placed in prison No. 4, about the 
jth of August. His narrative begins at this time. He says: 
"My prison-life now began in earnest. Had I at that time known 
the privations and misery I was to endure for the ne.xt six months 
I think I should have given up all hope of surviving. But the 
daily expectations ot a parole or exchange sustained me. No one 
but a comrade prisoner can know what it is to suffer the pangs of 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 375 



hunger, week after week and month after month. Onr rations 
were corn-cake only, one cake, six inches square and two inches 
thick, being a ration tor two men for one day. It was equally 
divided, each man performing this service alternately and each 
piece was handed from one to the other several times for each to 
see if there was any difference in tht; size, for we felt that each 
crumb represented moments of life. These rations were not 
snatched and hastily eaten as one might suppose that starving men 
would do." 

On October i;ith, a well-organized plan of escap(^ was executed 
by the men who were driven in their starving condition to go 
out in squads to work on th(; rebel fortifications. Bigelow was 
one of about one hundred men, guarded by twentv rebel soldiers, 
who went out to work on tliat eventful da}-. Two men had been 
assigned to each guard, and at a gi\'en signal they were to disarm 
them and thi-n make a dash for the woods. The signal was the 
word "corn-dodger." At the instant this was given a simulta- 
neous break was successfully made and the race for life and liberty 
began: to end in death for some and for others indescribable suf- 
ferings anil recapture. Bigelow hail taken the precaution to 
bind up his feet in some old rags, but these were only a slight 
protection from the briers and roughness of the way. He was 
retaken. ".After this," he sa\s. "it was close confinement for us 
all. I managed to live but it was only an existence. .A.s the 
cold weather came on our sufferings increased, and each day we 
had less strength to resist the cold. 

"At last the guards gave us a stove, but fuel was scarce and 
poor, and we could get but little heat. On the coldest days we 
formed in circles around the stove, and as the inner circle got 
warm, it would fall back and give place to another. OhI it was 
a terrible winter, many dying daily of starvation alone, for had 
we received proper nourishment, we could have better withstood 
the cold weather. In conclusion I would sav that Danville 
prison-life sapped my very life-strength. I entered it in good 



\y6 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



health with a robust constitution. 1 left it with a sicklj-, emaciated 
body that chiiiy reminds mc of the cursed inhumanity of the 
Southern soldiers, rank and liie. Vet the prisoners were most 
obedient and my experience tells me that even when the most 
brutal orders were given, the privates were not slow to execute; 
and that almost to a man the\- exceeded the requirements of their 
orders. We may forgive but as long as they live Union prisoners 
can never forget." 

Charles J. Richards, ol Com|)any A, in addition to his ex- 
periences at Belle Isle, Lynchburg, Danville and Florence, was 
also a boarder at .Andersonville for six weeks. He was at length 
taken to Wilmington, N. C, where he was released and sent to 
Annapolis, Md. 

It is believed that the most of those members of the regiment 
who were so unfortunate as to be sent to Andersonville, the worst 
of all the rebel prisons, died of the barbarous treatment there 
received. The horrors of that death-pen have never yet been 
adequately described. "The scenes inside the stockade, near the 
gate, were often too terrible to be pictured with the pen. Here 
would be gathered in the morning, on their way to pass through 
the gate where medicines were distributed, the sick, often creeping 
upon their hands and knees, and also those who were too sick to 
creep and who were borne bv feeble, staggering companions. 
Here, also, were stretcher-bearers with their burdens of the 
dead, all waiting in a densely-packed throng of thousands, often in 
the rain or sultry tropical sun, where not a breath of air stirred 
to revive the fainting. Frequently the sick, abandoned by those 
who carried them, were left in the crowd where no air could reach 
them, and thus uncared for the\' died. This neglect was caused 
not so much by want of feeling on the part of comrades as 
by the inability of the latter to longer care for them. Those who 
bore stretchers often fell fainting, and died in the throng of 
waiting misery, and on one day in July twenty men breathed 
their last in less than four hours anion"- the crowd around the 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 377 



prison gate. Equally great was the mortality amono; the prisoners 
who were transferred to the hospital outside the stockade." That 
this picture by Mr. Richards is not overdrawn will ht st'en when 
it is considered that three thousand five hundred prisoners 
were crowded into a space of not more than two acres of land, 
and subjected daily to such treatment, in respect to shelter, food 
and medicine as would be a burning disgrace to the most barbaric 
race. "All over camp," says an eye-witness, "men mi^ht be seen 
creeping out of holes like half drowned kittens." (See the 
soldier's story, pages 145 and 146.) Actually the prisoners bur- 
rowed in the earth like wild beasts, or be exposed to the fury 
of rain and sun, and the frosts of night. Add to the miseries 
of the situation that of the poor medical treatment, combined with 
the horrors of starvation, and the air that was filled with pesti- 
lence and death, and is it any wonder that the prisoners died 
by scores and hundreds every day. During one week, it is said, 
the death-roll numbered thirteen hundred and eighty men. 

It was in this rebel "hell" that eleven members of the Eight- 
eenth Connecticut Volunteers suffered a demoniacal martyrdom. 

In February, 1864, Col. Ely and one hundred and eighty oH^cers 
made their escape from Libby through the famous tunnel, on 
which some fifty-five days of hard work were spent, and the 
Richmond Inquirer thus describes this ingenious undertaking: 
"It appears that the tunnel under Twentieth Street was dug entire- 
ly with an old hinge, and the lLH)sened earth — a brittle marl and 
sand -removed with an old sugar scoop stolen from the hospital 
quarters. As the tunnel progressed, the miner took with him, 
besides his tools, an old-fashioned knapsack made upon a wooden 
frame, to which a cord was attached. When he filled this with 
earth it was drawn out by an accomplice who remained in the 
cellar. The contents safely deposited out of the way, it was 
then shoved back to the digger with a pole. The basement in 
which this work was carried on was kept constantly locked, never 
used, and the windows being tightly nailed, itvvas^dark as pitch." 



378 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



About fifty of those who escaped, including Col. Ely, were 
recaptured, and had to pay for this by close confinement in the 
underground cells of IJbby, which were infested with rats, and 
foul with a dampness that dripped from the walls. Still our 
boys kept up a brave heart during their long and exhausting im- 
prisonment. 

We give the following experience of Col. P^ly, who got out of 
Libby by means of the tunnel just referred to: "Just as the rebel 
guard appeared to see that all was right we had started on our 
slide, feet foremost, through a hole in the brick chimney into the 
cellarbelow. Dropping on the cellar bottom, we crept across it 
in the dark, found the opening to the tunnel occupied by the 
retiring boots of another aspirant for liberty. As we were rather 
stalwart in size, hitching along three inches at a hitch, was the 
best we could do. It was all elbow work, the limited area of the 
tunnel not admitting an)- use of the legs. Hitching and persever- 
ance brought us to the exit t)f the tunnel. Here vvc waited with 
head out of the hole (marmot styk;), took a survey of the empty 
boxes under the shed that once had been filled by the United" 
States Sanitary Commission supplies, waiteti for our comrade 
from Wiltimantic. with whom we had sworn to make a strike for 
liberty. We waited al)()ut ten minutes, when we felt a |)ull at 
our leg, and speedily emerging from the tunnel made room for 

Lieut. Clifford, of Ohio. Next came Quarter-master ■ — , 

from New York. Through the cracks of the shed which separated 
us from the street the rebel guard could be plainly seen patroll- 
ing in front of the prison, and watching it closely. It was not a 
good place to wait even for sworn friends, and the ten minutes 
seemed like ten hours. 

"Here we quietly took off our shoes and walked on tiptoe to 
the corner of the shed. It was evident that we must pass the 
width of the shed on the beat of the guard. The only time to 
do it was when he was walking towards the prison. It was done; 
and safely around the corner, we three agreed to stand by each 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 379 



other till we reached the Union lines. If ragged uniforms could 
have disguised us we were well disguised, but not knowing the 
city we ran plump on to a rebel guard around the City Hospital. 
'Halt! who goes there?' rang like a death knell to our hopes of 
freedom, but the prompt reply, 'None of your business; can't a 
fellow see his girl without being halted?' proved a pass-word, 
and the striking up of 'Dixie' in a' half-drunken songster style 
by Clifford disarmed any suspicion tiiat the sentinel may have 
had. 

"We crossed the street in front of the sentinel, and threaded 
our way to the outskirts of the city on the east side. Every 
house was dark, and the streets were deserted. When fairly out- 
side of the city we proceeded with great caution, but found our- 
selves close upon the fortilications before we were aware of 
it. These appeared to be unoccupied, and further observation 
showed us that this was even the case. A single man with a 
handful of files might have spiked forty or fifty pieces of artillery. 
Peering over the parapet, the faint glow of camp-fires revealed 
long lines of stacked muskets and rows of tents. Dusky forms 
could be seen grouped' around fires farther distant, that were 
supposed to be reserved picket fires. Several spots were, tried 
before we succeeded in finding a gap in tlie picket lines. We 
soon found one that promised to be a good outlet, and pushed 
through without disturbing the sentinels, who could be plainly 
seen counteracting the chill of a frost) night by the warmth of a 
few embers. 

"We were hardly outside of the picket lines, well under way 
putting as much distance between us and the City of Richmond 
as possible before dawn, when the sudden neighing of a horse 
brought us to a stand, and not a second too soon, for careful 
examination showed that a large cavalry picket was dead ahead. 
The cavalry picket proved more easily evaded than the pickets 
just passed, so on we pushed, through woods, .and over brooks, 
sometimes floundering in the cold water up to our arm-pits. The 



38o EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



night was cold, but exercise and excitmcnt kept us warm. The 
increasing Hght of early dawn warned us that it was time to seek 
a hiding-place for the day. The spot selected was a bushy hill- 
side covered with scrub oaks. Here we sat down to rest and 
wait for the night. 

"Col. Ely now found to his astonishment that he was the only 
one of the party who had any provisions. A boiled tongue, 
shriveled and mouldy, three months' old, kept in anticipation of 
this emergency, with eighteen soda crackers, comprised the entire 
stock of provisions, which was divided into three equal lots. A 
light breakfast was eaten, and by turns two slept, while the third 
kept watch. Our hiding-place proved well selected, overlooking a 
road a hall-mile distant. Twice during the day a company of 
rebel civalry passed by, also several foot soldiers. Unable to light 
a fire from fear of attracting attention, we suffered greatly with 
the cold. At night the march was resumed. 

"Keeping the North Star in view as a point for reference, we 
aimed in the direction of Charles City Court House. The second 
night was much like the first, with fewer indications of the enemy. 
The next morning's breakfast finished all that was left of the 
tongue and soda crackers, but failed to satisfy the cravings of our 
hunger. Our refuge the second day was a large swamp. Want 
of sleep, want of food, as well as suffering from the cold began 
to tell on systems already debilitated by long imprisonment. A 
search was made for acorns to eat; but it was evident that the 
acorn crop had been disposed of earlier in the winter by the 
squirrels and turkies. The latter were frequently seen, but showed 
great lack of confidence in us refugees, who looked at them with 
longing eyes, and wished in vain for a shot-gun or ritfe. The 
swamp seemed sufficiently unfrequented, dark, and dense to give 
a feeling of security from cavalry and infantry. At night the 
march was resumed, and as we knew that we had already left 
Bottom's Bridge in the rear we confidently anticipated being 
within the lines of General Butler's corps the next morning. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 3^1 



"The third nig^fht's march was one of great suffering and faint- 
ness from hunger. The New York Uuarter-master showed signs 
of extreme weakness, and retarded the march of the other two 
greatly. The last two hours of the night was over mostly open 
country, and the gray of dawn found us wearily struggling through 
a thinly wooded tract of timber. We much disliked the appear- 
ance of a lonely house three-ciuarters of a mile distant, — there 
was no shelter where we were, and we pushed on as rapidly as 
possible, hoping to reach what seemed to be a dense swamp 
about a mile ahead, and expecting there to tind a secure hiding- 
place, from which we could watch lor the blue coats of Uncle 
Sam's cavalry. 

"Just now the sound of cavalry was heard in our rear, but it 
came from the wrong direction. Only a half a mile to the swamp, 
and no place to hide even a man's head till it was reached. So 
on we pushed, the quarter-master falling behind from e.xhaustion. 
The sound of horsemen came nearer and a triumphant yell 
announced that the quarter-master was again in the hands of the 
rebels. We had succeeded in getting out of the timber, and were 
going down the hill-side for the swamp, going at a lively pace, 
too. Soon we heard shouts of, 'Halt!' but heeded them not. 
Crack! crack! crack! crack! went the carbines till there was a 
rattling fire, nearer and nearer sounded the horses' feet, till these 
seemed more fearful than the fusilade and whistling of bullets. 
Only one hundred yards, and horses would not have been able to 
follow! Another yell, and Cliftord was taken. A horseman dashed 
by us, sprang from his saddle, and intercepted us with a Colt's 
navy pistol leveled at our head. 

"Libby prison loomed up again! The captured wer^e gathered 
together, three in number, in company with our pursuers, who 
were Major Robertson's cavalry, forty in number. 

" 'I say, Yank, ain't you hit?' was a frequent inquiry. And 
'No; wish I had been,' the sullen reply. And some laughing was 
done at the expense of the crack shots of the company by their 



3.82 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



comrades. A proposition was made to us by the sergeant of the 
company: 'Say! You tell the major that I did the right smart 
thing in overhauling you, and you shall have a good breakfast.' 
The proposition was accepted, and we breakfasted with Major 
Robertson, and received handsome treatment that day. We 
now learned, much to our chagrin, that we were captured on 
ground held by Gen. Butler's command forty-eight hours 
previously, and were several miles above Charles Cit) Court 
House. 

"The next morning we were turned over to the home cavalry 
guard, a mean, cruel set of devils, who marched us till noon, and 
then turned us over to a relief, who marched us to the doors of 
i-ibby Prison, forty miles in one day. 

"Dick Turner, jailor, smiled grimly upon us, and ordered us to 
the cells below, and put us on a diet of corn bread and water. 
Below, we found companions, — forty men, stowed away in four 
cells, seven feet by twelve feet each, — man) of whom, like our 
trio, had the entire soles of their feet blistered in the attempt to 
escape. Ten men were confined for three weeks in a cell seven 
feet by twelve, with not room for them all to lie down at once, 
and when they did lie down wharf rats and vermin were too plenty 
to permit rest." 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



383 



ROLL OF HONOR. 



Casualties at battle of Winchester, Va., June 1:5th, [4th and 
15th. 186;,. 

KITIFD. 



Jas. McCracken, prv. Co. .A 
Thomas Simmons, pri., Co. B. 
Asher D. Holmes, prv. Co. C 
A. D. Woodmanc) , prv. Co. C 



Thomas F. Jones, pri., Co. A 
James Daggett, prv. Co. B 
Chas. C. Noyes, prv. Co. C 
H. H. McCracken, prv. Co. E 



Edward L. Porter, capt. Co. F Charles Baldwin, prv. Co. F 

Albert Burnett, prv. Co. I*" W. O. Parsons, .sergt., Co. G 

Stephen H. Oatley, prv. Co. d George \V. Pickett, prv. Co. G 

Wallace .Smith, prv. Co. G George E. Howard, prv. Co. G 

Earle Ashley, prv. Co. H Charles A. Barber, prv. Co. H 

A. M. Dillaber. prv. Co. H Alfred E. Tracy.prv. Co. H 

Anson A. Fenton, prv. Co. H Daniel G. Bennett, prv. Co. K 
Robert Sharkey, prv. Co. K 



WOUNDKO. 



I. D. Ripley, non-com. staff 
John Crawford, prv. Co. A 
Islay H. ]\L\rtin, prv. Co. A 
Albert H. Pitcher, prv. Co. .V 
Thos. K. Bates, capt. Co. B 
David M. Colvin, prv. Co. B 
C. F. Keables, prv. Co. C 
Geo. Bromley, prv. Co. C 



S. 1). Worden, corp. Co. A 
-Michael Hanly, prv. Co. A 
D. B. -Sullivan, prv. Co. A 
X. C. Thompson, prv. Co. A 
Richard Frazier, prv. Co. B 
S. T. C. Merwin, lieut. Co. C. 
B. M. Upham, prv., Co. C 
A. I. Comstock, prv. Co. E 



384 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



A. G. Franklin, prv. Co. H 
M. Tourtelotte, prv. Co: R 
G. H. Crawford, prv. Co. E 
Geo. W. Blake, corp. Co. F 
Daniel A. Botham, prv. Co. F 
Geo. W. Warner, capt. Co. G 
Peter Bercune, prv. Co. G 
Chas. D. Bovven, capt. Co. H 
Joseph Metcalf, prv. Co. H 
Emery D. Rogers, prv. Co. H 
Wm. J. Whiteside, corp. Co. H 
Wm. H. Miller, prv., Co. H 
J. O. Lathrop. prv. Co. 1 
Leonard Bowen, prv. Co. K 

Charles Youn 



B. Fitzpatrick, prv. Co. E 
Thos. E. DeWoH, prv. Co. E 
Silas J. Alger, prv. Co. E 
Daniel B. Church, prv. Co. F 
Edwin S. Tabor, corp. Co. G 
James Stone, prv. Co. G 
Wm. Caruthers, lieut. Co, H 
F. S. Harrington, prv. Co. H 
Geo. H. Wilber, prv. Co. H 
Geo. D. Harris, prv. Co. H 
George R. Bliven, prv. Co. H 
Chas. H. Richardson, prv. Co. I 
Almond Bartlett, corp. Co. K 
D. P. Jordan, prv. Co. K 
g, prv. Co. K. 



Casualties at battle of New Market, May 15th, 1864. 

KILLED. 

Wm. L. Spaulding, capt. Co. B William H. Hall, prv. Co. H 



WOUNDED. 



Lewis Hovey, sergt. Co. A. 
Erastus Baker, prv. Co. A 
S. K. Spalding, prv. Co. B 
L. Hauerwas, prv. Co. C 
B. B. Brown, prv. Co. C 
James Curley, prv. Co. C 
Lemuel A. Manning, prv. Co. C 
F. M. Truman, prv. Co. C 
Elisha R. Potter, prv. Co. C. 
Thos. J. Aldrich, sergt. Co. D 
Joseph Heath, prv. Co. D 
Warren A. Burgess, prv. C(x 13 
J. W. Robinson, prv. Co. D. 



Joseph Hancock, prv. Co. A 
Johti S. Greene, prv. Co. A 
Chas. W. Smith, prv. Co. B 
Charles M. Avery, prv. Co. C 
Martin Cryne, prv. Co. C 
Frank H. Gordon, prv. Co. C 

E. Washburn, prv. Co. C 
Wm. H. Withey, prv. Co. C 
J. Mathewson, capt. Co. D 

F. H. Converse, corp. Co. D 
Edward P. Ryan, prv. Co. D 
Patrick Clark, prv. Co. 1) 

C. J. Williams, corp. Co. H 



CONN EC TICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



385 



B. W. Taft, prv. Co. E 

W. G. Hay ward, prv. Co. E 

Frank Reed. prv. Co. G 

G. W. Underwood, prv. Co. G 

William Lewis, prv. Co. H 

Patrick Heverin, prv. Co. H 

Joseph Abby, prv. Co. H 

A. D. Wilber, prv. Co. H 



James Mussey, prv. Co. E 
C. A. Jillson, prv. Co. E 
Josiah W. Whitney, prv. Co. G 
Tracy Rogers, corp, Co. G 
Eben R. Eaton, prv. Co. H 
Clias. U. Brooks, prv. Co. H. 
John F. Gager, prv. Co. H 
Joseph Golding, prv. Co. H 



Wm. Caruthers, lieut. Co. H. 
Casualties at battle of I'iedmont, Va., June 5th, 1864. 



E. B. Culver, adjutant 
J. T. Burnham, prv. Co. C 
Chas. T. F'anning, prv. Co. C 
Wm. L. Adams, corp. Co. D 
Thos. D. Cooper, prv. Co. D 
Isaiah Leonard, prv. Co. D 



IvILl.Eli. 

John S. Greene, prv. Co. A 
Wm. H. Hamilton, prv. Co. C 
W. H. Faine, sergt. Co. D 
Joseph P. Adams, prv. Co. D 
Edwin F. Johnson, prv. Co. D 
John T. Maginnis, lieut. Co. E 



Albert G. Franklin, prv. Co. E Hiram D. Rose, prv. Co. E 
J. T. Bradley, corp. Co. F J. M. Weeks, prv. Co. F 

Thos. McMahon, prv. Co. F C. F. Sheridan, prv. Co. F 
John B. Scott, sergt. Co. G jabez H. Bogue, prv. Co. I 

Jerome Cahoone, sergt. Co. K. 

WUUNPKl). 

Henry C. Gaskell, corp. Co. A George S. Town, prv. Co. A 
Wm. H. Johnson, prv. Co. A Stephen H. Spencer, prv. Co. A 



Henry F. Paine, corp. Co. B 
Martin Cragan, prv. Co. B 
C. C. Chappell, sergt. Co. C 
Joel Gary, corp. Co. C 
Calvin Bramble, prv. Co. C 
S. H. Freeman, corp. Co. C 
C. C. Lee, prv. Co. C 



Charles Campbell, prv. Co. B 
E. S. Hinckley, lieut. Co. C 
S. Downer, color sergt. Co. C 
A. P. Durfee, corp. Co. C 
C. H. E-Lllsworth, prv. Co. C 
A E. Gates, prv. Co. C 
Lemuel A, Manning, prv. Co, C 



386 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Walter H. Muzzy, prv. Co. C 
J. A. Tilden, prv. Co C 
J. E. York, prv. Co. C 
John R. Carter, corp. Co. D 
E. F. Bickford, corp. Co. I). 
James F. Buckley, prv. Co. D 
Otis Brown, prv. Co. I). 
Oscar Coman, prv. Co D 
Wm I'. Johnson, prv. Co. D 
Paris H. Aldrich, prv. Co. D 
Charles E. Bates, prv. Co. D 
Michael Clark, prv. Co. D 
S. J. Alger, prv. Co. E 
John Johnson, prv. Co. E 
Hiram Snow, prv. Co. E 

E. T. Albertine, prv. Co E 
James Kelliher, prv. Co. E 
S. B. West, prv. Co. E 
Geo. W. Kegvvin, prv. Co. E 
Charles H. Carroll, sergt. Co. F 
Henry .^ppleton, corp. Co. F 

F. R. Greene, prv. Co, F 
John Valentine, prv. Co. F 
Charles L. Humes, prv. Co. F 
James Nugent, prv. Co. F 

S. H. Gallup, corp, Co. G 
Peter Gerue, prv. Co. G 
Albert Hisco.x, prv. Co. G 
Ichabod C. Davis, prv. Co. G 
S. Comins, color sergt. Co H 
M. V. B. Farnham, prv. Co. H 
William B. Brown, prv. Co. H 
James Carney, prv. Co. H 
Alonzo Weldon, prv. Co. H 



I"". W. Taylor, prv. Co. C 
Aaron Wolfe, prv. Co. C 
Nelson P. Lord, prv. Co. C 
Chas. R. Conant, corp. Co. 1) 
Lyman M. Aldrich, prv. Co. D 
Chas. E. Brayton, prv. Co. D 
Joel T. Converse, prv. Co. D 
David C. Fox, prv. Co. D 
Edward P. Ryan, prv. Co. D 
Thomas Cooper, prv. Co. D 
Luther White, prv. Co. D 
John L. Coman, prv. Co. D 
C. A. Beckwith, prv. Co. E 
Charles Lewis, prv. Co. E 
Geo. Parkinson, prv. Co. E 
John Fogtmar, prv. Co. E 
John McKusker, prv. Co. E 
John Weller, prv. Co. E 
C. D. Hartsgrove, prv. Co. E 
Charles T. Thurber, corp. Co. F 
Wm. L. Davis, prv. Co. F 
Roswell Butler, prv. Co. F 
Geo. Carroll, prv. Co. F 
Charles T. Setchell, prv. Co. F 
J. P. Rockwell, lieut. Co. G 
James E. Tripp, corp. Co. G 
Samuel C. Oekery, prv. Co. G 
Hiram Smith, prv. Co. G 
William Caruthers, lieut. Co. H 
James K. Brown, prv. Co. H 
Dennis Sullivan, prv. Co. H 
Wm. W. Griggs, prv. Co. H 
Daniel K. Sweet, prv. Co. H 
N. W. Bennett, prv. Co. H 



CONMkCTtCUT VoLVNT^^kS. 



zH 



John Lilley, lieut. Co. I 
S. P. Keppler, corp. Co. F 
Isaac Roath, corp. Co. I 
Joseph O. Lathrop, prv. Co. I 
D. N. Williams, prv. Co. I 
S. P. Miner, prv. Co. I 
Owen McShean, pr\^ Co. I 
A. M. Holmes, prv. Co. I 
VV. H. Albee, prv. Co. I 
Uavis U. Handy, corp. Co. K 
R. D. Curtis, prv. Co. K 
Levi Short, prv. Co. K 
Almanzo M. Smith, prv. K 



H('nr\- D. Gleason, corp. Co. I 
Linneaus Wild, corp. Co I 
J as. IL. Benjamin, prv. Co. I 
Wm. J. S. Thornhill, prv. Co. I 
Adam Oechler, prv. Co. I 
Palmer S. Greene, prv. Co. I 
John A. Wilbur, prv. Co. I 
John Taylor, prv. Co. I 
Joseph D. Hall, sergt. Co. K 
John Glinn, corp. Co. K 
David D. Lathrop, prv. Co. K 
W. H. Newel, prv. Co. K 
Chas. O. Penery, prv. Co. K 



Casualties at battle of Lynchburg, Va., [une iSth, 1864. 



WOUN'DEli 



William G. Ely, colonel Samuel J. Lee, sergt. Co. A 

Wm. C. Mitchell, prv. Co. A Daniel Carney, prv. Co. A 

Edwin R. Wood, prv. Co. 15 Albert Hibbard, prv. Co. B 

Dennis D. Mahony, prv. Co. V C. A. 'Pourtelotte, sergt. Co. H 

Amos G. Crandall, pr\. Co. H Thf)mas Conner, prv. Co. H 

Otis S. Watlc, prv. Co. K Edwin Spalding, prv. Co. I. 

Casualties at battle of Snicker's P^ord, |uly i.Stli, 1 S64. 



KILLED. 

G. B. Hartford, corp. Co. A John Delany, prw Co. A 

Thos. J. Aldrich, prv. Co. I) M. j. Weeks, pr\. Co. G 
John Carne)', prv. Co. H James M. Smith, prv. Co. K 

WOUNDED. 

James Dewing, prv. Co. A Daniel \\. Johnson, prv. Co. A 

Elmer D. Cook, prv. Co. B C. M. Greene, prv. Co. B 

Geo. E. Comins, sergt. Co. C R. Corey, prv. Co. C 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Joseph Mathewson, capt. Co. D F. G. Bixby, lieut. Co. D 

Nathan Chase, prv. Co. IJ Patrick Clark, prv. Co. D 

Thos. J. Leonard, prv. Co. D Geo. C. Johnson, prv. Co. D 

N. G. Gardner, prv. Co. E John Jones, prv. Co. E 

Orrin Cook, prv. Co. F Wm. W. Comins, prv. Co. G 

John H. Wilcox, prv. Co. G Henry G. Tracy, prv. Co. H 

Joseph A. Tracy, mus. Co. H E. W. Bingham, prv. Co. H 

Joseph Kenworthy, prv. Co. H M. V. B. Tiffany, capt. Co. I 

Geo. S. Cogswell, sergt. Co. I Chas. S. Miller, prv. Co. I 

O. W. Champlin, prv. Co. K Thos. T. Bates, prv. Co. K 

Casualties at battle of Winchester, July 24th, 1864. 

WOUNDED. 

A. J. Huntington, corp. Co. A Andrew Bishop, prv. Co. A 
Wm. C. Hillard, sergt. Co. E L. H. Newcomb, prv. Co. H 
J. S. Colburn, prv. Co. H Wrn. H. Boyden, corp. Co. H 

Thos. D. Spencer, sergt. Co. H 

Casualties at battle of Berryville. September 3d, 1864. 

WdUNDED. 

John Lilley, lieut. Co. I John F. Corey, prv. Co. I 

Died at Andersonville, Ga. 

Prv. Andrew Bishop, Company A. 

Prv. Albert Hibbard, Company B, November 18th, 1864. 
Sercrt. Sylvanus Downer, Company C, November 5th, 186^. 
Prv. Gilbert H. Gott, Company C, August 30th, 1864. 
Prv. George W. Ward, Company C, February 6th, 1865. 
Prv. Joseph H. Winship, Company C, November 5th, 1864. 
Prv. Joseph W\ Robinson, Company D, September 29th, 1864. 
Corp. Chauncey J. Williams, Company E, August 18th, 1864. 
Prv. William G. Hayward, Company E, September i ith, 1864. 
Prv. Nathaniel W. Bennett. Company H, October 13th, 1864. 
Prv. Linus C. Short, Company K. September 7th, 1864. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 389 

Died at Florence, S. C. 

Prv. George \\'. Dodore, Company D, October i ith, 1864, 
Prv. Chas. A. Jillson, Compan)' E, December 5th, 1864. 
Prv. James Massey, Company E, January /th, 1865. 
Prv. Israel Varney, Company E, February loth, 1865. 
Prv. VV. VV. Adams, Company G, November 15th, 1S64. 
Prv. Geo. W. Underwood, Company G, January 27th, 1865. 
Prv. John F. Gager, Company H, F'ebruary 15th, 1865. 

Died at Charleston, S. C. 

Prv. William H. Pike, Company B, September 26th, 1864. 
Prv. Joseph Golding, Company H, October 1 ith, 1864. 
Prv. William Lewis, Company H, September jth, 1864. 

Died at Danville, Va. 

Prv. Henry C. Gaskill, Company A, February 20th, 1865. 
Prv. Jonathan S. Colburn, Company H, February 15th, 1865. 
Prv. Lucius H. Newcomb, Company 11, February 13th, 1865. 

Died at \^'inchester, Va. 

Prv. J. Crawford, Company A, of wounds, July 2d, 1863. 
Prv. Islay B. Martin, Coinpany A, of wounds, Jul)- 2d, 1863. 
Prv. N. C. Thompson, Company A, of wounds, June 30th, 1863. 

Died at Staunton, Va. 

Prv. A. E. Gates, Compau)- C, of wounds, June loth, 1864. 
C^orp. John R. Carter, Company D, of wounds, July loth, 1864. 
Corp. Chas. R. Conant, Company D. of wounds, jime 26th, 1864. 
Prv. C. A. Beckwith, Company PI, of wounds, August 4th, 1864. 
Prv. John H. Wilco.x, Company G, of wounds, July loth, 1864. 
Prv. W. W. Griggs, Company H, of wounds, June 15th, 1864. 
Prv. S. P. Miner, Company I, of wounds, June 30th, 1865. 
Prv. Levi M. Short, Company K, of wounds. June 30th, 1864. 



396 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 

Died at Lynchbury, Va. 

Sergt. C. A. Tourtellotte, Company H, of wounds, Aug. 15, 1864. 
Corp. H. D. Gleason, Company I, of wounds. 

Prv. Charles Haskell, Company H, died February 19th, 1865, at 

Saulisbury, N. C. 
Prv. Adam Acksler, Company I, died October 5th, 1864, at 

Madisonville, Ga. 
Corp. Charles Bartlett, Company K, died February 3oth, 1864, 

at Richmond, Va. 

Died while in service. 
Company A. 

Prv. Horatio Burdick, October 19th, i863,_ Fort McHenry. 
Prv. Elias H. Chapman, July 30th, 1863, Annapolis, Md. 
Prv. \Vm. H. Town, March 28th, 1864, .Sandy Hook, Md. 

Company B 

Corp. Henry I"". Paine, August loth, 1864. 

Prv. JohnO. Adams, May, 1864, Martinsburg, Va. 

Prv. Lorenzo H. P)uck, December 28th, 1863, Martinsburg, Va. 

Prv. David Green, June; 20th, 1863, Balto, Md. 

Prv. Hazel E. Mathewson, December 1 ith, 1864, Annapolis, Md. 

Prv. William Roy, October 27th, 1864, Annapolis, Md. 

Company C. 

Prv. Lucius G. Pember, l)(;cembor 27th, 1S64, Annapolis, Md. 
Prv. John .Schalk, August i6th, 1863. 

Prv. Francis VV. Taylor, March 28th, 1865, Annapolis, Md. 
Prv. Patrick McNamara, January rgth, i?65. 

Company D. 

Prv. John Lummis, November, 1864. 

Prv. I\iter Randall, March loth, 1S65, Thompson, Ct. 

Prv. Luther White, March 14th, 1865. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 391 

Company E. 

Prv. Nathaniel S. Carr, May 25th, 1864. New Haven, Ct. 
Corp. Stephen A. I'rankHn, August 20th. 1864, Sandy Hook, Mel 
Prv. Wallace Fox, February 2d, 1864. Martinsburg, Va. 
Prv. Thomas Kinrey, May ist, 1864, New Haven, Ct. 
Prv. JliUlis J. Rood, February 3d, 1864, Martinsburtr, Va. 
Prv. George VV. Tarbox, August loth, 1864, Cumberland. Md. 

Company F. 
Corp. J. Forestner, August gth, 1863, Camp Parole, Md. 
Prv. Alfred S. Chappell, September 17th, 1863, Philadelphia, Pa. 
Prv. \Vm. H. Campbell, September loth, 1863, Camp Parole, Md, 
Prv. George W. Fox, April 17th, 1865, Martinsburg, Va. 
Prv. Nathan B. Green, F'ebruary 4th, 1864, Martinsburg, Va. 
Prv. Daniel Wilbur, Company E, killed January 5th, 1863, at 
Harewood, Md. 

Compan)' G. 

Corp. C. A. Bosworth, December 27th, 1862, Camp Emory, Md. 
Corp. Samuel L. Marcy, July 15th, i8b3, Annapolis, Md. 
Corp. Edwin S. Tabor, August 22d, 1863, Annapolis, Md. 
Prv. Asa H. Bund), F'ebruary 6th, 1863, Balto, Md. 
Prv. John Morrison, missing in action May 15th, 1804. Sup- 
posed to be dead. 
Prv. Stiles Rawson, December 3d, 1862, Camp in Md. 

Company H. 

Corp. Seth H. Chapman, September 17th, 1863, Annapolis, Md. 

Musician Jos. A. Tracy, of wounds, August 7th, 1864. 

Prv. Russell W. Adams, August 8th, 1863, Annapolis, Md. 

Prv. Henry Apley, January 9th, 1864, Annapolis, Md. 

Prv. Iznart P. Cushman, April 7th, 1863, Balto, Md. 

Prv. Franklin E. Gurley, October 17, 1864, Cumberland, Md. 

Prv. Alfred A. Snell, August 25th, 1863, Annapolis, Md. 

Prv. Lester C. Smith, July 26th, 1864, Martinsburg, Va. 



392 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Prv. Edwin Thomas, June 4th. 1863, Willimantic, Ct. 

Prv. Ainariah D. Wilbur, May 3d, 1865, Wilmington, N. C. 

Prv. Laughiin Brady, July 28th, 1864. 

Prv. George S. Hayes, October 27th, 1863, Martinsburg, Va. 

Company I. 

Prv. Chas. H. Beckwith, 1 )ecember 1st, 1862, Norwich, Ct. 
Prv. Martin Carl, September 25th, 1864, Sandy Hook, Md. 
Prv. John I'. Herrick, January 26th, 1864, Martinsburg, Va. 

Company K. 

Prv. Oliver B. Burnham, of wounds, February 12th, 1864, Mar- 
tinsburg. Va. 
Prv. John Penry, November 28th, 1862. Havre de (irace, Md. 
Sergt. W. Young, killed January 6th, 1863, Havre de Grace, Md. 

Unassigned recruit. 

Prv. George F. Avery, March 7th, 1864, West Haven, Ct. 



CONNEC TICU T VOL UN TEERS. 



393 



ORIGINAL ROSTER OF THE REGIMENT. 



FIELD AND STAFF. 



Name and Bank. Residence. 

Colonel. 
Wii 1,1AM G. Ely Norwich 

Lieut. Colonel. 
Monroe Nichols Thompson 

Major. 
Ephraim Keech, Jr. Killingly 

Adjutant. 
Edward L. Porter N. London 

Quarter-master. 
DwiGHT \V. Hakes Norwich 

■Surgeon. 
Charles M. Carleion '' 

If/ Ai!:t. -Surgeon. 
JosiAH \'. Harrington Sterling 

2(1 Asst. Surgeon. 
Henkv W. Hough Putnam 

Chaplain. 
Varnum .K. Cooper N. London 

Sergt. Major. 
Joseph P. Rockwell Norwich 

Q. M. Sergeant. 
William Caruthers " 

Com. Sergeant. 
Henry Hovey " 

Hosp. Steward. 
\. D. Kipley " 

60 



Date Muster Remarks. 

1862. 

July 24 \Vd. Discharged Sept. 18 '64. 

Aug. 8 Resigned April 26 '64. 
Aug. 8 '■ disability, May 20 '63. 

Aug. 4 Pro.Capt. Rilled Win. June is^jj. 

Aug. 4 Disc, for promotion April i j '05. 

Aug. 6 Resigned, disability, April 17 '63. 

Aug. 1 1 Died Dec i '64, Sterling, Ct. 

Sept. 20 Resigned March 6 '63 
Aug. 27 " ''4 '63 

July 26 \Vd. Pr. Capt. M. O. June 27 '65 

July 14 Wd. Pr. ist Lt. " " 27 '65 

Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 16 " ■■ 27 '65, 



394 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY A. 



Name and Rank. 

Captain . 
Henry C. Davis 

\st Lieutenant. 
Adam H. Lindsley 
id Lieutenant. 
James D. Higchns 

Sergeants. 
Robert Kerr 
David Torrance 
George S. Town 
Samuel ]. Lee 
Lewis Hovey 

Corporals. 
George B. Marshall 
Gabriel B. Hartford 
Asa Dillnby 
William J . Ross 
Alfred J. Huntington 
Benjamin F. Jaques 
Lyman Frisbie 
George C. Setchell 
Musicians. 
Alex. R. Cochran 
Andrew F. Whiting 

Wagoner. 
William H. Burdick 

Privates. 
Adams, Milan W. 
Adams, William N. 
Avery, Edwin P. 
Button, Guy D. 
Bishop, Andrew 
Brand, Lewis 
B'urdick, Horatio 
Brady, Patrick 
Burdick, Samuel 
Byron, James 
Bennett, Ebenezer S. 



Residence. Date Muster. Remarks. 

1862. 

Norwich Aug. 8 Hon. discharged April 25 '65. 



Aug. 8 
Aug. 2 



" 17 '65- 
Oct. 27 '64. 



Scotland 



July 18 Pr. istLt. M. O. 2d Lt. June 27 '65. 

July 17 Dis. Ap. Capt. 29th C.V. Dec. 25'63 

July 21 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O.June 27 '65. 

Aug. 2 " iS "64. " " 27 "65. 

July 26 Wd. May 15 '64. " " 27 '65. 



Norwich July 29 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Canterbury July 18 Killed July 18 '64, Snicker's Ford. 

Norwich July 18 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" July 23 Disc, for app. in C. T. Jan. 21 '64 

Bozrah July 22 Wd. July 24 '64. M. O. May 23 '65. 

Norwich July 22 M. O, June 27 '65. Harper's Ferry 

Aug. 4 " " 27 '65, 

Aug. 2 " " 27 '65. 

" Aug. 7 Deserted ^Lay 22, 1863. 

" July 23 Discharged Feb. 18 '64. 

" July 26 M. O. June 19 '65, Baltimore, Md. 



Canterbury Aug. i 

" Aug. II 

Norwich July 17 

" Aug. 2 

Bozrah July 21 

" July 21 

Norwich July 23 

July 26 

July 25 

'' Aug. 6 

Canterbury Aug. ■ I 



M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Tr. Inv. Corps. M. O. July 14 '65. 
Discharged Oct. 4 '64. 
Disc, disability, June 18 '65. 
Wd. and capt. Died July 24 '64. 
Discharged, disab., Aug. '63. 
Died Oct. 19 '62, Ft. McHenry. 
M. O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Discharged, dis., Jan. 4 '64. 
M. O. June 27 '64, Harper's Ferry. 
Discharged, dis., Feb. 3 '64. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



395 



Same and Rank. 


Res'dence. 


Date Mustf 


Clark, \Vm. T. 


Bozrah 


Aug. 5 


Chapman, Elias H 


Griswold 


J"iy. 31 


Clark, John S. 


Norwich 


Aug, 2 


Card, Charles P. 


Canterbury Aug 3 


Chappell, Samuel H. 


Norwich 


July 19 


Carey, Charles W. 


" 


July 24 


Campbell. Peter 


Preston 


July 21 


Carver, James 


Norwich 


July 28 


Carney, Daniel 


" 


July 22 


Crawford, John 


" 


July 22 


Clark, James 


" 


July 23 


Cushman, David F. 


" 


Julv 21 


Clark, Francis L 


Lebanon 


Aug. 4 


Cainvell, George W. 


Bozrah 


Aug. 4 


Chalmers, John 


Norwich 


July 22 


Di.an, John S. 


Hampton 


Aug. 3 


Durfey, Henry M. 


Norwich 


Aug. 9 


Delaney, John 


" 


July 17 


Fanning, George W. 


" 


July 29 


Gaskill, Henry C 


" 


Aug. I 


(lilroy, Charles 


" 


July 24 


Gorry, John 


" 


July 22 


Gibson, Savillian F. 




Aug. 2 


Greene, Albert C. 


Canterbury 


' Aug, 4 


Greene John S. 


" 


Aug. 4 


Holdridge, William A. 


Waterford 


Aug. 4 


Hili. Elisha D. 


Norwich 


July 21 


Hancock, Joseph A. 


" 


July 23 


Hanley, Michael 


" 


July 22 


Johnson, Daniel H. 


" 


July 29 


Kelley, Andrew J. 


" 


Aug. 2 


Kerr, John 


'• 


July 23 


Kingsley, Jared L. 


" 


Aug. 4 


Laird, John 


" 


Aug. 8 


Leonard, ^L Luther 


" 


July 25 


Latham, Albert 


" 


July 25 


Martin, John W. 




July 17 


Matthewson, Alt'red 


Bozrah 


July 21 


McCracken, James 


Norwich 


Aug. 8 


Martin, Islay B. 


" 


Aug. 5 



^L O. June 27 '64, Harper's Ferry. 
Died July 30 '63, Annapolis, Md. 
M. O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Tr. Invalid Corps Sept. 30 '63. 
Deserted May 22 '63. 
M. O. July t '65, Cumberl'd, Md. 
" Tune 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 
'• " " -'7 -65, " 
\Vd. June 18 '64. M.O. May 28 '65. 
Died July 2 '63, of wounds. 
Tr. to V. R. C. M. O. June 27 '65. 
^L O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 
" " •■ 27 '65, '• 

" 27 '65, 
" " 27 '65, " 
Deserted Nov. 8 '64. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Killed July 18 '64. 
Discharge, dis , NLarcii 25 '64. 
Wd. June 5 "64. Died Feb. 20 '65. 
Deserted Aug. 21 '62. 
^L O Tune 27 '65, Har|ier's Ferrv. 
" " " 27, '65, •• 

" May 31 '65. Frederick, Md. 
Wd, May 15 '64. Killed Junes '64 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" "27-65" ■• 
Wd. May 15 '64. M ( ). June 27 '65. 
Wd. June 15 '63. 1 )isc. June i6'64. 
Wd. July 18 '64. .M. O. June 27 '65 
M. O. June 27 '65. Harper's Ferry. 
Tr. to Invalid Corps .May i '64. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" ■ •' 27 '65 
Disc, to enter U. S.C- T. Mch 4 '64. 
Discharged .April 10 'O4. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" 27 '65, 
Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va. 
Died July 2 '63, of wounds 



396 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Hank. 

Mitchell, William C. 
Muzzey, Benjamin H. 
Marshall, Wilson C. 
Miner, Charles H., Jr., 
McDavid, George 
Mossman, Alexander 
McClure, John 
Pitcher, George 
Pitcher, Albert H. 
Parker, Timothy 
Robinson, Francis 
Ray. George H. 
Richards, Charles J. 
Service, Thomas 
Sherman, Horace U. 
Schotield, LeGrand 
Spencer, Stephen H. 
Shaw, Daniel 
Semples, James W. 
Service, John 
Stillivan, Daniel B. 
Sweet, Edwin 
Town, ^Villiam H. 
Thompson, Nelson C. 
Taylor, Samuel 
Tifft, John H. 
Wood. As.i Y 
Wood, Alfred 
Worden, Samuel D. 
Youn;4, Robert 



Residence. Date Muster. 



Preston 
Norwich 



Canterbury 
Norwich 



Canterbury 
Norwich 



Canterburi 
Norwich 



July 2 1 Wd. June i8 '64. M. O.June 7 '65. 

July 31 M. O. May 20 '65, Hartford, Ct. 

July 23 ■' June 27 '65, Harjjer's Ferry. 

Aug. 5 " "27 -65, 

July 19 Discharged, dis., March i '63. 

July 19 M. O. June 27 '65, Har[)er's Ferry. 

July 19 " " 27 '65, •• " 

Aug. 4 " "27 '65, 

July 23 Wd June 15 '63. M. O. June 27 65 

July 23 M. O. June 27 '65 Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 4 Discharged, dis., March 2 '63. 

Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 2 " May 22 '65, JarvisHosp. 

Aug. 5 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 23 " " 27 65 " 

July 17 " " 27 65 " " 

July 26 Wd. June 5 64. M. O. June 27 65. 

July 25 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Feiry. 

July 26 " June 27 65, " " 

July 17 " June 27 65 " 

July 25 Wd. June 15 63. M. O. May 18 65. 

Aug. 4 Discharged, dis , Feb. 7 63. 

Aug 7 Died March 28 64, Sandy Hook. 

Aug. 4 Died June 30 63, of wounds. 

July 22 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

.\ug. 4 " June 27 65, " " 

Aug. 6 " " 27 65, 

July 23 " " 27 65, 

Aug. 4 Wd. June 15 63. Disc, dis. Mch.864 

July 25 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 



COMPANY B. 



Captdiit. 1862. 

Thomas K. Bates Brooklyn July 16 Wd. Disc, disability, Nov. 17 '63 

TV/ Lieutenant. 

HoRAim Bi.ANCfiARD Killingly Aug. i Pr. Capt. M. O.June 27 '65, H. F. 

zd Lieutenant. 

EzKA L). Cari'enter Putnam July 14 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



397 



Name and Rank. 

Sergeants. 
Edgar Amsbury 
Sim C. Chamberlain 
Caleb Blanchard 
Stephen W Aldrich 
(ieorge Torry 

Corporals. 
Anson Withey 
Laurens Card 
Stephen J Lee 
Henry F. Paine 
Samuel K. Davis 
^\'illian■l H. Austin 
Edwin L. Joslyn 
Thomas ^L Day 

Musicians. 
Henry B. Fuller 
Dwight C. Brown 

Wagoner. 
William A. Handy 

Privates. 
Adams, John Q. 
Adams, William A. 
Adams, ( )lney 
Aldrich, Welcome B. 
Anderson, William H 
Arnold, LorenzT B. 
Armington, foseph 
Burroughs, George H 
Burroughs, Francis 
Berais, Harrison O. 
Buck, Lorenzo H. 
Bartlett, Edwin S. 
Bacon, Abner F. 
Brown, Harlan P 
BoUcs, Darius A. 
Baker, George R. 
B irtlett, George W, 
Brewster, Sidn-y M. 
i'ra'van, Martin 



Resilience. Date Muster. Remarks. 

Killingly July 14 M. O. May 17 '65, Frederick, Md. 
Brooklyn ■•\ug. 2 " " 20 '65, 

Killingly July 18 " " 20 '65, Hartford, C t. 
Brooklyn July 28 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Woodstock July 16 Disc for app. in C. T., Dec. 8 '63 



Killingly 

Putnam 
Killingly 



Aug. 4 8 '63 

Aug 2 ^L O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

July 21 Wounded. Died Aug. 10 '64. 

July 28 Discharged Ajiril i '64. 

Aug. I " disability, Dec. 24 '62. 

Aug. 26 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Aug. 2 ■' " 27 '65, 



luly 16 
July 21 



27 '65. 
27 '65, 



Brooklyn 


July 12 


Killingly 


Aug. I 


" 


Aug. 4 


Puuiam 


July 14 


" 


July 22 


Brooklyn 


Aug. 4 


Killingly 


Aug. S 


" 


July 29 


" 


Aug. 2 


" 


Aug. 2 


I'utnam 


Aug. 4 


Woodstock 


.l"iy '5 


Kdlingly 


Aug I 


" 


Aug. 2 


'• 


July 14 


Woodstock 


Aug. 5 


" 


Aug. 5 


Putnam 


July 25 


Killingly 


July 23 



July 21 Discharged, disability, Feb. 15 '64. 



Died May '64, Martinsburg, Va. 
i\L O. June 27 65, Harper's F'trrj-. 
" May 18 65, New Haven, Ct. 
" June 27 65, Harprr's Ferry. 
" I\Liy 24 65, New \'ork City. 
June 27 65, Harper's F'erry. 
"27 65, 
" 27 65, 
May 23 65 
" June 27 65 ■• " 

Died Dec. 28 63, Martinsburg, \'a. 
M. O. June 17 65, Worcester, Mass 

" May 20 65, Hartford Cr. 
Discharged, dis , March 2 63 
M. O. Tune 27 65 Harper's Ferry. 
" '" 2765, " 
" " 7 65, Annapolis, Md. 
" " 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 
" "2/ 65, " 



398 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 
Clark, Allen 
Colvin, David M. 
Cook, Elmer D. 
Chesbro, (ieorge L. 
Campbell, Charles 
Corcoran, Thomas 
Coomes, Ransalaer 
Chaffee, Myron f. 
Danielson, Daniel D. 
Dve, Van Buren 
Donahue, John 
Dagget, James 
Emerson, David 
Freeman, Frederick M. 
Fox, John A. 
Frazier, Richard 
Franklin, Edmund 
Gordon, Elias K. 
Green, David 
Geer, Henry II. 
Green, Clarendon M. 
Gould, Henry K.. 
Gochie, Joseph 
Hart, Lewis 
Heath, George W. 
Harrington, John 
Houghton, Amasa 
Hall, William A. 
Hibbard, Albert 
Kilfoyle, Patrick 
Kelly, Norman 
Kinney, Nathan 
Mathewson, Hazel E. 
Mclntyre, William 
Morse, Steijhen H. 
Matthews, Altiery K. 
McLaughlin, Hugh 
Morse, Needham 
Miller, Josiah 
Neff. Hamilton H. 



Residence. 

Killingly 

Brooklyn 

Putnam 

Killingly 

Plaintield 

Putnam 

Wondstoc k 

Killingly 
Brooklyn 
Killingly 

Brooklyn 
Killin"lv 



Date Muster. 



Brooklyn 

Woodstock 

Killinglv 

Brooklyn 
Putnam 

Killingly 
Woodstock 

Killingly 



Brooklyn 

Killingly 

Brooklyn 

Killingly 

Plainfield 

Killingly 

Putnam 

Brooklyn 



July 24 M. O May 30 '65, Hartford, Ct. 

Aug. 4 " June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 25 Wd." " 27 65, " " 

.-Vug. 4. Discharged, dis,, March 2 63. 

July 17 \\'d. M. O. June 2 65, Jarvis Hos. 

lulv 14 M O.June 27 '65, Harper.'s Ferry., 

Aug. 2 Discharged, dis. March 263. 

July 21 ^L O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

-\ug. I " "27 '65, " " 

July 22 " " 27 '65, " " 

July 26 " .^L^y 30 '65, York, Pa. 

July 23 Killed June 15 63, Winchester, Va. 

July 26 M. (). June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 18 " " 27 65, " " 

.\ug I " May 30 65, Hartford, Ct. 

Aug I ^\'d. discharged, dis., Dec. 14 '63. 

Aug. 4 -M. O. July 14 65, Hartford Ct. 

July 15 " June 2; 65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 28 Died June 20 63, Baltimore, ild. 

July 21 Discharged, dis., March 2,63. 

Aug. 4 -M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

.Aug. 4 " "27 65, " " 

luly 29 Discharged, dis., Dec. 18 '63. 

July 22 M. O June 19 65, York Pa. 



" " 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

^ " " 27 65, " " ' 

Discharged, dis. Oct. 1362, 
" Dec. 31 63. 
Wd.Died Nov. 18 64, And'\ ille,Ga. 
Deserted. 

M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 
" " 27 65, " " 

July 29 Died Dec. 11 64, Annapolis, Md. 
July 30 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 
_" "" 2765, 
Discharged, dis., Oct. 12 62. 
M. O. June 27 65, Har])er's Ferry. 
Discharged June 18 63. 
M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 
" 27 65. " " 



July 21 
Aug. 4 
July 24 
July 18 
July 28 
July 23 
July 31 
July 28 



Aug. 4 
Aug. 4 
July 28 
July 31 
July 31 
Aug. 4 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



399 



Name and Hank. 

OIney, William F. 
Olney, Charles E. 
Paine, John M. 
Pike, William H. 
Potter, Alvah D. 
Pollock, William H. 
Richmond, Calvin H. 
Randall, John W. 
Randall, Smith H. 
Smith, Isaac W. 
Stewart, John Y . 
Simmons, Thomas 
Spaulding, Samuel K. 
Sawyer, James H. 
Spaulding, Edmond \V. 
Scofield, Uri B. 
Trask, William A. 
Taylor, Lucian A. 
Tavlor, James A. 
Trask, Adelbert R. 
Ward, William H. 
Wood, Edwin R. 
Watson. lames 



Cal<tai)i. 
Isaac H. Bromley 

ij7 Lieutenant. 
Samuki. T. C. JMerwin 

2il Lieutenant. 
Henry Cowles 
Sergeants. 
Reuben B Brown 
Andrew Washburn 
Charles Robinson 
Edward S. Hinckley 



Residence. Date Muster. Remarks. 

Killingly Aug. i M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" July 31 '■ " 27 65, 

Woodstock July ,50 Disc, forappt. U.S.C"'l'.,Mch.6,'64. 

Plainfield July 29 Died Sept. 26 '64, Charleston, S C 

Putnam July 30 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

Killingly Aug. 5 Discharged June i.S 67,. 

" July 25 M. O. June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 2 " " 27 65, 

July 14 " " 2765, " " 

" July 22 Discharged, dis., .March 2 63. 

" July 14 J\[. O. May 2065, Frederick, Md. 

" Aug. 4 Killed June 15 63, Winchester, Va. 

Putnam July 28 Wd. M. O. June 27 65, Harper's F. 

Woodstock .\\\g. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Killingly .Aug. i " "10 65, Annapolis, Md. 

Aug. I " " 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

Plaint'ield July 29 " " 27 65, " " 

Woodstock July 15 " " 27 65, " " 

Killingly .Aug 4 Discharged, disability, MaY '63. 

Plainfield July 14 M. O. June 27 65, Harjier s Ferry. 

Putnam July 29 " " 2765, " " 

" July 16 Wd. Discharged, dis.. May 4 65. 

Plainfield July 14 .M. O.June 27 65, Harper's Ferry. 

COMP.4NY C. 



Norwich July 26 Honorably disc, March 31 '63. 
" Aug. 7 Pr. Capt. M. (). ist Lt. June 27 '65 

July 26 Pr. ist Lt, Hon. disc. .May 15 '65. 



Aug. 5 M. O. June 23 '65, Hartford, Ct. 

Lebanon July 31 Pr. 2d Lt. Ap. U.S.C.T. Feb. 24^64 

Aug. 13 Pr. 2d Lt. Disc, for ap. U. S. C. T. 

" Aug. X Pr. 1st Lt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F. 

Charles H. Carpenter Norwich Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's F^rry 

Corporals. 

Samuel H. Freeman " Aug. 7 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's F 



400 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Bank. 

Thomas C. Abell, 
George R. Bill 
Restcome Peckham 
E. Benjamin Culver 
Alonzo S. Mather 
Sylvanus Downer 
George E. Comins 

Musicians. 
Charles E. Case 
Judson A. Gager 
lVas;o>ier. 
William A. VVetmore 

Privates. 
Abell, John W. 
Anderson, Charles W. 
Avery, Charles M. 
Avery, James H. 
Bacon, Harrison E. 
Blackman, B. Burrell, 
Bingham, Henry A. 
Bramble, Calvin 
Brand, Christopher A. 
Brady George W. 
Brockway, Thomas C. 
Burdick, Gilbert A. 
Carey, \Toel 
Carpenter, Charles H. 
Coggswell, George 
Congdon, Peleg C 
Chappell, Charles C. 
Clark, Joseph P. 
Clark, Henry T. 
Gross, George W. 
■Crosby, Hiram B. 
DavoU, Jo>eph G. 
Dorrance, George E. 
Durfee, Abisha P. 
Ellis. William H. H. 
Ellsworth, Charles H. 
Ellsworth, David 



Residence. Date Muster Remarks. 

Lebanon Aug. 8 M. O. May 19' '65, Harper's Ferry 

'' July 31 Discharged April 7 '64. 

" Aug. 8 M. O. Jime 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Norwich July 26 Pr. Adjt. Died of wds. June 6 '64. 

Lebanon Aug. 8 Discharged March 28 '64. 

Norwich Aug. 1 1 Wd. Died Nov. 5 '64, Ander'ville. 

" Aug. 24 Wd. M. O. J une 27 '65^ Harper's F. 

" July 29 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Leiianon Aug. 7 " " 27 '65, " " 

Aug. 7 M. O. June 2 '65, Jarvis Hospital. 

" Aug. 4 M O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Norwich Aug. 7 " " ~1 '65. 

Preston Aug. 8 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's F 

'' Aug. 6 M. O. May 30 '65, Hartford, Ct. 

Norwich Aug. i M. O. May 23 '65, Frederick, Md. 

July 26 App. in U. S. C. T. March 23 '64. 

Lisbon Aug. 11 " " " 23 '64. 

Lyme Aug. 7 Wd. AL O. June 27 '65, H F. 

Norwich July 25 Trans, to 21st C. V. Aug. 18 '62. 

Aug. 8 Pro. Adj. M. O. June 27, H. F. 

Lyme Aug. 7 Discharged, disability, Dec. 23 '62 

Preston July 26 M. O. June 22 '65, Frederick, Md 

Norwich Aug. 2 Wd. M. O. May 22 '65, Jarvis Hos. 

■' Aug. 7 Discharged for app in U. S. C. T. 

" Aug. 6 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65,Harper'sF. 

Lebanon Aug. 13 M. O. June 27 '65, Harpei's Ferry 

Aug. 8 Wd. M, O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry. 

Scotland ."Vug. 5 RL O. May 18 '65, New Ha^en. 

Norwich Aug. 4 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Aug 6 " " 27 '65, 

" July 26 Pr. Col. Disc. Lt. Col. Sep. 14 '64 

Lebanon Aug. 9 Discharged, disability. May 6 '63. 

Norwich Aug. 4 Tr. to Inv. Corps March 15 '64. 

Lebanon Aug. 12 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, H Ferry 

Norwich Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Griswold Aug. 8 Wd. M. O. May 18 '65, N. Haven 

Berlin Aug. 21 M. O. June 5 '65, .Annapolis, Md. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



401 



Fannin?, Charles 'I". 
Filch, Edwin S., Jr. 
RletchtT, Freeborn O. 
Gates, Alfred E. 
Geer, Charles F. 
Green, Joseph B. 
Greenman, George 
Hamilton, William H. 
Hempstead, Albert 
Holmes, John 
Holmes, Asher 1). 
Huntington, J. L. W. 
Jewell, William C. 
Keeler, George W. 
Keables, Charles F. 
Kidder, Edwin M. 
Kraus, Adam 
Leach, Edwin T. 
Loomis, Adgale L. 
Lord, Nelson P 
Lombard, Marcina 
Lumis, Thomas [. 
Lynch, Charles 
thinning, Lemuel A. 
M( \\ hirr, John F. 
ALuzy, Walter H. 
Noves, Charles C. 
Ornisby, Henry B. 
Pember, Lucius G. 
Potter, Elisha R, 
Reynolds, John .\L 
Richards, AVm. H. H. 
Robinson, Myron W. 
Schalk, John 
Spencer, Frederick L. 
Stone, William 
SuUard, Albert 
Taylor, Francis W. 
■Pilley, Charles H. 
TiJden, Joseph A. 

51 



Res'denee. Date Muster. Eemarks. 

Norwich July ,51 Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va. 

" Aug S M. (.). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry/ 

July 28 " " 27 '65, 

Lebanon .Aug. ij Wd Died at Staunton June 10 '64 

" Aug. 5 NL O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Griswold Aug. 6 " '' 27 '65, 

Norwich .Aug. 18 App. in U. S. C. T. March 2,5 '64. 

" July 29 Killed June 5 '64, Piednnmt, Va. 

'' Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Preston July 26 " " 29 '65, 

Lebanon Aug, 7 Killed June 15 '6,5, Winchester, Va 

Franklin July ,^0 i:)isc. to enlist U. S. .A. Feb. 1 1 '64 

Norwich .Aug. i Discharged, dis., March 28 '63 

Preston Aug 8 ,\[. O.June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Norwich Aug. 6 Wd. Tr. V. R. C. M. O. Aug. i7'65 

Lebanon .Aug. 13 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Kerry 

Norwich Aug. 6 " " 27 65, 

.Aug. 7 App. in U. S. C. T. Feb. 24 '04, 

Lebanon .Aug. i '' " March 2}, '64. 

" July 31 Wd. Disc-., disa., Dec. 16 '63. 

-Aug. 9 Discharged, disa,, March 4 '03. 

Norwich Aug. 5 M. O. June 27 '1)5, Har])cr's Ferry 

" . Aug. 6 " " 27 '65, 

July 29 Wd. M. 0. June 27 '65, H. Ferry. 

'■ .Aug. 4 .AL (). June 27 '05, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. ]2 Wd. AL (■». June 27 '65, H. Ferry. 

.Aug. II Killed June i 5 '63, W'inchester, Va 

July 31 Discharged, disa., March 4 '63. 

Aug. 8 Died Dec. 27 '64, .Annapolis, Md. 

Aug. 8 Wd. M. June 9 '65, " 



Lebanon 

Norwich 

Lyme 

N. London 

Lebanon 



Lyme 
Lebanon 
Norwich 
Lebanon 



.Aug. 7 Discharged, disa., March 4 '63. 
.Aug. 8 '' ■' about Sep. 10 '63 

Aug. 16 Enlisted LL S. .A. Nov. 16 '62. 

.Aug. 7 Died .Aug. 16 '63. 

Aug. 9 AL C). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Aug. 12 'I'r. to V. R. C. M. O, June 6 '65 

Aug. 6 Disc. June 5 '64, New Haven. Ct 

-Aug. 7 Wd. Died Mar. 28 '65, .Annapolis 

.Aug. 7 M. O. May 24 '65, .Annapolis Jnc. 

Aug. 9 Wd. M. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry 



402 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. Reslrlence. 

Tilden, Ebenezer Lebjnon 

Tisdale, James VV. Norwich 

Tracy, Joseph A. 

Tracy, Gilbert A. Grtswold 

Tucker, George VV. Lyme 

Upham, Benjamin M. Norwich 

Ward, George W. 

Weaver, George A. Lebanon 

White, Edwin Norwich 

Williams, John Lelianon 

Wilson, Dee Laroo Norwich 

Winship, Joseph H. 

Woodmancy, Albert G. Stonington 

York, James E. Norwich 



Date Muster. Remarks. 

Aug. 4 M. O. May 30 '6^, Hartford, Ct. 

luly 29 " June 27 "65, Harper's Ferry 

Aug. 7 Died of wds. Aug. 7 '64. 

Aug. 8 Discharged June 16 '63. 

Aug. 12 " disability, Sep. i '63. 

Aug. 6 Tr. to V. R. C:. Jan. r '65. 

Aug. 6 Died Feb. 6 '65, .VndersonviJle, Ga 

Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Aug. 4 " " 27 '65, 

Aug 9 " " 27 '65, 

Aug. II Pr. 2d Lt. 3d Md. Cav. Aug. 12 '65 

Aug II Died April 5 '64, Andersonville. 

July 30 Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va 

July 30 Wd. M. O. June 27 '03, H. Ferry 



COMPANY D. 



Captain. 
Joseph Matthewson 
\st Lietilenant. 

WlM-IAM L. SpAUI.OING 

■zd Lieiitcriiint. 
NoADiAH p. Johnson 

Seixeants. 
Thomas J. Aldrich 
Franklin G. Bixby 
Norton Randall 
Joseph E. Marcy 

Corporals. 
William H. Paine 
Henry H. Brown 
James H. Rickard 
John R. Carter 
Chas. W. Grosvenor 
George W. Phetteilace 
William J. Arnold 
Charles R. Conant 

Musicians. 
George H. Jacobs 
Wanton A. Weaver, Jr. 





18O2. 


Pomfret 


Aug 10 


East ford 


A"g- '5 


Thompson 


Aug. 15 


" 


July 26 


" 


Aug. 9 


" 


July 25 


Eastford 


Aug. 4 


Woodstock 


Aug 12 


Thompson 


Aug. 8 


Pomfret 


Aug. 8 


Thi)m])Son 


July 28 


Pomfret 


Aug. 10 


Thompson 


Aug. 6 


" 


July 28 


" 


Aug. 6 


" 


Aug. 8 


" 


Aug. 4 



Tw. Wd. Pr. Maj. M. O. Jun. 27 '65 

Pr. Cap. Killed May 15 '64, N. M 

Pr. ist Lt. M. O. fune 27 '65. 

Wd. May 15 '64. Killed July 18 "64. 
Pr. Cap. M. O. as 2cl Lt. June 27 '65 
^L O. June 27 '65 Harper's Ferry 

" 27 '65, 

Killed Jime 5 '64, Piedmont, Va. 
App. in U. S. C. T., Feb. 25 '64. 

" " Marcli 19 '64 

Died of wounds July 10 V>4. 
M. O. May iS '65. New Ha\en. 

" June 27 '65, Harjicr's P'erry 

" " " -^7 -f-S- " _ " 

Died of wounds June 26 '64. 

M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
" 27 '65> " 



CON NEC TICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



403 



Nam<> and Rank. 


Restdence. 


Datel 


Must 


Wagoner. 








George H. Wilson 


Pomfret 


Aug. 


13 


Privates. 








Aldrirh, Parris H. 


Thompson, 


Aug, 


7 


Adams, Joseph P. 


" 


Aug. 


9 


Adams, William L. 


Eastford 


Aug. 


4 


Aldrich, Lyman M. 


Thompson 


Aug. 


1 1 


Brown. John D. 


" 


Aug. 


8. 


Burgess, Warren A. 


" 


Aug. 


6 


Bickford, Erskine F. 


" 


Aug. 


8 


Bickford, Jose|)h 


" 


Aug. 


I 


Blakely, Daniel 


Hampton 


Aug. 


4 


Buchanan, Anson A. 


Thompson 


luly 


^9 


Bates, Tyler 


" 


Aug. 


4 


Buckley, Joseph 


" 


Aug. 


7 


Burdick, Dwight 


Hampton 


Aug. 


4 


Baker, Solomon H 


Eastford 


Aug. 


5 


Buck, Edward C. 


Thompson 


Aug. 


4 


Brown, Otis 


" 


Aug. 


i 


Chaffee, Francis B. 


" 


Aug. 


9 


Converse, Jesse F. 


" 


Aug. 


4 


Coman, Oscar 


'• 


Aug. 


9 


Clai)p, John W. 


Pomfret 


Aug. 


7 


Coman, John L. 


Thompson 


Aug. 


9 


Curtiss, Prescott P. 


" 


July 


26 


Converse, Frank H. 


" 


A\ig. 


2 


Child. William L. 


Woodstock 


Aug. 


18 


Cooper, Thomas I). 


Pomfret 


July 


-9 


Chase, Nathan 


Thompson 


Aug. 


6 


Clark, Michael 


Hampton 


Aug. 


4 


Cheney, Frank W. 


Eastford 


Aug. 


S 


Daggett, Nelson 


'Thompson 


Aug. 


I 


Dearth, Thomas H. 


" 


July 


25 


Frissell, Albert 


" 


Aug, 


7 


Fitts, Daniel B. 


Pomfret 


Aug 




Gifford, Silas B. 


'Thompson 


Aug. 


8 


Gay, Horace 


" 


Aug. 


2 


Gould, William 


Pomfret 


Aug. 


7 


Green, Rufus 


'Thompson 


Aug. 


6 


Griggs, William H. 


Pomfret 


Aug. 


1 1 



Aug. 13 Tr. to V. R. Corps March r5 '64. 



Wd. App. U. S. C. 'T. July 10 '64 
Killed June 5 '64, Piedmont, Va. 

" S 'f>4. 
VVM. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
App. in U. S. C. ■)'. March 16 '64 
Wd. M. O, May 18 '65, N. Haven 
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. .M.ay 25 '65 
Discharged, disability, March 5 '63 
Tr. to Invalid Corps Dec 15 '63 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" " " 27 -es. •■ 

" " 27-65, " 

" " 27 '65, " " 

" " 27 '65, ■• 

" " 27 '65, ■■ 

Wd. June 5 'O4. M. O. June 27 '65 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harpers Kerry 
Discharged al Baltimore. Md. 
Wd, June 5 '64. M. O. June 12 '65 
M.O. June 27 '65, Har|)er's Ferry 
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 14 '65 
Discharged, disability, Oct. 27 '02 
Wd, Disc, disability, March 10 '65 
M. (y. June i() '65, Philadelphia. 
Killed June 5 ''M> Piedmonr, Va. 
Wd. June i :^ 'O4. M. (). .May 2', '65 
'■ 5 '64. " June 27 '65 
App in U. S. C. 'T, Oct 12 '04. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferrv 
Tr. Inv. Corps. M ('). .\ug. 17 '65 
iM. (). June 27 '65, H.irjier's Ferry 
'' " 27 '65, Annapolis, Md 
27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
Discharged, disa., March 2^ 63. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" -'7 '65. 
" " 27 '65, 



4Q4 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 
Griggs, James H. 
Grow, Thomas VV. 
Hall, Horatio A. 
Hibbard, George D. 
Heath, Joseph W. 
John.son, \\"illiam P. 
Jennings, Daniel 
Johnson, Parris G. 
Johnson, George C. 
Joslin, Silas R. 
Jones, Samuel N. 
Johnson, Edwin F. 
T^eonard, Isaiah 
Lynch, William 
Lumniis, John 
Leonard, Thomas J. 
May, George A. 
Miller, James F. 
Miller, Ahial A. 
Maguire, Frank Y. 
May, 'William 
Munyan, Rufus P. 
Perrin, |olin N. 
Potter, Lucius H. 
Penniman, Sdas M. 
Potter, Ch.irles H 
Ryan, Edward P. 
Richardson, Sherman 
Robinson,. Joseph W. 
Randall, H. Monroe 
Rvant, 'I'hoiuas 
Robbins, Elisha K. 
Rand. ill, Peter 
Randall, Joseph 
Sprague, Elias 
Sheldon, William E. 
Streeter, Moses 
Sheldon, Albert F. 
Seaver, George T. 
Sharpe, Edwin 



Residence. 


Date Must* 


Pom (ret 


Aug. 7 


Hampton 


Aug. 5 


Thompson 


Aug 7 


Pomfret 


Aug. 7 


Thorn i)Son 


Aug. S 


" 


Aug. I 


Brooklyn 


Aug 1 


Thompson 


Aug. 6 


" 


Aug. 9 


'' 


Aug. ID 


Woodstock 


Aug. 15 


Thompson 


Aug. I 




Aug. S 


" 


July 28 


Pomfret 


Aug. 7 


Union 


Aug. 18 


Woodstock 


Aug. 12 


Thom])son 


Aug. 10 


" 


.Aug. I 


Pomfret 


Aug. 10 


Woodstock 


Aug. 12 


Thompson 


July 28 


'^ 


July 29 


Killinglv 


Aug. 8 


Woodstock 


Ai'g- 17 


" 


Aug. 12 


Thompson 


Aug. 5 


•' 


Ang. 9 


'* 


Aug. 6 


" 


Aug. 8 


" 


Aug 9 


Eastford 


July 31 


Thompson 


Aug. 8 


" 


Aug. 8 


" 


Aug. 7 


" 


Aug. 6 


" 


Aug. 8 


" 


Aug. 8 


'• 


July 29 


Pomfret 


Aug. 10 



>r Remarks. 

MO. June 27 '65, Har|)er's Ferry 

" " 27 ■65, " 
'■ 27 '65, 

Disc, disa.. May lo '65, N. Haven 
Wd. May 15 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
Wd. June 5 '64. " " 14 '65 
Discharged, disability, March 5 '63 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
Wd. July 1 8 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
M. O. June 27 '65, Har])cr's Ferry 

Killed fune 5 '64, Piedmont, Va. 

" " " 5 '64, " 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
Died Nov., 1864. 

Wd. App. in U. S. C. T. Oct. 9 '64 
Discharged, disability, July 10 '64. 
App. in U. S. C. T. Aug. 8 '64. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

_" ■ " 27 '65, •' 

Disc. Feb. 10 '64. Furnished sub. 
.\L O. )une 27 '65, Harjjer's Ferry 

" " " 27 'H, " 
App Hos. St. U. S. A. Nov. 22 '64 
Disc barged, disability, March 8*63 

" March I 7 '65. 

Wd. N[. O. June 27 '65, H. Ferry 
Discharged March 28 '64. 
Died wounds Sep 29 '64, And'ville 
Discharged, disability, April 17 '63 
M. (). June 27 '65, Har|)cr'? Ferry 
Enlisted in U. S A. Oct. 14 '62. 
Died March 10 '65. Thompson, Ct 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" 27-65, '• 
Discharged, disability, Ajnil 14 '63 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" "19 '65, Hartford, Ct. 

" " 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" 27 '65. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



405 



Name and Rank. 

Tavlor, Amos W. 
Torry, Henry C. 
While. Luther 
Whitmore, Harvey 
Young, George E. 



Residence. Date Muster. Remarks. 

Thompson July 28 Discharged, disa., March 5 '63. 

Woodstock Aug. 8 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Thompson .Aug. 6 Died of wounds March 14 '65. 

Pomfret Aug. 7 M. O. June 27 '65, Har[)er's Ferry 
" Aug. 9 ■■ '■ 10 '65, Hartford, Ct. 



COMPANY E. 



Captain . 
Isaac V\'. Hakes, Jr. 

i.v/ Lieutenani. 
Frederick A. Palmer 

111 Lieutenani. 
John T. Mahinnis 

Sergeants. 
Francis McKeag 
.Anthony, Staubly 
^Villiam H. Douglass, 
lohn J. Franklin 
William C. Hillard 

Corporals. 
Edwin Fitch 
Josiah .\. Coleman 
Gordon \\ ilco.x 
Hylon N. Perry 
James ^IcKee 
Chauncey J. Williams 
Steiihen A. Franklin 
William C. Tracy 
Musicians. 
John H. Post 
George Maynard 
Wagoner. 
Edward S. Clark 
Privates. 
Allen, Nelson R. 
Alger, Silas J. 
Adams, Anthony 
Avery, George 
Albertine, E T. 
51!^ 



Norwich 



1 86 2. 
July 12 

July 12 



Salem 


July 


-5 


Norwich 


Julv 


'4 


" 


July 


17 


Colchester 


July 


25 


Columbia 


July 


16 


Norwich 


July 


14 


Colchester 


July 


25 




July 


-5 


Norwich 


Tuly 


21 


" 


Aug. 


4 


" 


Aug. 


5 


Colchester 


July 


25 


Columbia 


July 


-5 


Lebanon 


July 


-'9 


Andover 


July 


19 


Salem 


Aug. 


6 


Norwich 


July 


^9 


Norwich 


July 


16 




Aug. 


4 




July 


17 


Colchester 


Aug. 


4 


Sprague 


July 


16 



Resigned Dec. 26 '62. 

Pr. Cap. E'ischarged May 28 '64 

Pr. ist Lt. Died June 6 '64, of wds 

Pr. 2d Lt -M. O. June 27 '6^. 
^L C). [une 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
" 27 '05, " 

Wd. Discharged Dec. 3 '64. 

Discharged disa., March 21 '65. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

■■ 27 '65, •' 
'■ 27 '65, " 

•■ 2^ '65, '• 

Wd. Died Aug. iS '64, Ande'ville 
Died Aug. 20 '64, Sandy Hook, .Md 
iNL O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

•• 27-65, '• 
" ■■ 27 '65, 

" '^ 27 '65, •' 

•' 27 '65, •' 
Wd. June 15 '63. .\L O. June 2 '65 
NL O. June 27 '65, Harper''s Ferry 

" " " 27 '65, •' 
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 19 '65 



4o6 



EIGH TEEN TH REGIMENT ■ 



Name and Rank. 

Averv; Henry E. 
Avery, Samuel H. N. 
Burdick, Joel 
Bromley, f jeorge 
Burdick, Abel 
Brooks, Lorin F. 
Bogue, Henry 
Brown, Mulford G. 
Beckwith, Charles A. 
Brown, John H. 
Comstock, Alfred J. 
Coil, John 
Cleveland, Henry F. 
Carr, Nathaniel S. 
Crawford, George H. 
Clark. William P. 
Daily, Charles H. 
DeWolf, Thomas E. 
Douglass, Reuben P. 
Franklin, Albert G. 
Fox, Horac e W. 
Fox, Wallace 
Fleming, Patrick 
Fitv-patrick, Bernard 
Ford, Alexander 
Ford, Christopher 
Gardner, Nicholas G. 
Gott, Chauncey E. 
Gimball, Johr\ 
HoUien, Chas. F. J. A. 
Haslem, Wesley W. 
Harris, George L. 
Hay ward, William G. 
Hennessey, Thomas J. 
Holloway, Joseph C. 
Hartsgrove, Chilion D 
Jillson, Charles A. 
Jillson, Edward T., Jr. 
Jones, John 
Johnson, John 



Residence. 

Salem 
Scotland 
Norwich 
Griswold 

Coventry 

Bozrah 

Salem 

Colchester 

Salem 

Lebanon 

Norwich 

Andover 

Coventrv 

Salem 

Colchester 

Norwich 

Salem 

Colchester 

Gi iswold 

Salem 

Salem 

Colchester 



Andover 
Colchester 



Norwich 

Salem 

S|irague 

Colchester 



Date Muster. 

Aug. 4 
Aug. 7 
July 25 
July 29 
Aug. 6 
July 14 
July 19 
Aug. 5 
July 25 
Au?. I 



M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Feiry 



Discharced Aug. 25 '62. 

Wd. June 15 '64. M. O. June 27*65 

M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
"27 '65, " " 

" " -^7 '65, " 

" 27 '65, 

Wd. June 5 '64. Died .\ug. 4 '64. 

-M. (). June 27 '65, Harpers Ferry 
July 25 Wd. Tr. V. C. Disc. July 25 '65. 
July 19 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 17 " " 9 '65, Annapfilis, Md 

July 25 Died ^Nlay 25 '64, New Haven. Ct 
Aug. 1 Wd. June 15 '63. M. (). June 27*65 
July 25 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferrv 
July 24 Discharged Feb. '64. 
July 29 Disc. Oct. I '63, Annapolis, Md. 
luly 25 " disabilit\, Dec. 22, '62. 
July 16 Wd. June '63. Killed June 5' 64. 
Aug. I M. (>. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
luly 2S Died Feb. 2 '64, Martinsburg.' Va. 
July 27 Tr. V. R. C. M. O. July 17 '65. 
July 27 WW. June 15 '65. M. O. June 27 '65 
July 25 Deserted July 24 '63. 
July 25 M. (). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 16 W'd. Julv i.S'64. M. O. June27 '65 
July 2^ Tr. Inv. ('or])s. M. O May 30 '65 
Aug. I M. ( ). lune 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 25 " " 27 '65, 

j\ily 25 " Ma\' icS '65, New Haven, Ct 
July 19 Tr. Invalid Corps Sep. 1 '63. 
Aug. I Died .Sep. 11 '64, .Andersonville. 
July 31 M. O. June 27 '65, Har|)er's Ferry 
July 29 Discharged, disa., Nov. 16 '64. 
July 30 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
Aug. 2 Died De<-. 5 '64, Florence, S. C. 
Aug. 6 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 25 Wd. July 18 '64. JM. O. June 27 '65 
July 22 " Junes '^4- " " 27*65 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



407 



Kamp and Rank. 
Jenner, Elias B 
Kegwin, George VV. 
Kellihe-, Janies 
Kinney, Thomas 
Kegwin, Dwight R 
Lathrop, Albert M. 
Lewis, Henry F. 
Lewis, Daniel C'. 
Lewis, Charles, 2d 
McCracken, H H. 
Mitchell, Charles H. 
Massey, James 
McCusker, John 
McCusker, Hugh 
Parkinson, George 
Palmer, Isaac 
Payson Ebenezer F. 
Potter, James N. 
Palmer, Josiah C. 
Rose, Hiram D. 
Rood, Julius J. 
Reynolds, Samuel W. 
Rathbun, George \V. 
Spencer, Lorin T. 
Staiibly, Michael 
Tarbox. (ieorge W. 
Taft, Bezaleel W. 
Tourtellotte, Marvin 
Upham, George R. 
Varney, Israel 
Wood, Ezra H. 
White, Albert P. 
Weller, John 
Wolf, Henry 
West, Sith B. 
Wade, Sylvester 
Wade. Henry H. 



Residence. 

Scotland 
Griswold 
Colchester 

Scotland 
Griswold 
Columbia 

Colchester 
Lebanon 
Colchester 
Norwich 



Coventry 
Andover 
Colchester 

Lebanon 

Andover 

Norwich 

Salem 

Columbia 

Norwich 

Colli ml lia 

Norwich 



Griswold 
Andover 
Norwich 

Colchester 

Salem 

Colchester 



July .^7 
July .7 
July .-5 
Aug. 4 
July 22 
[ulv IS 

J'>iy ^5 

Aug. 4 



Date Muster. Remarks. 

July 22 L)isc. Baltimore, by return < )i t '63 

Aug. 4 Wd. June 5 V)4. .M. (.). June 27 '65 
July 25 " '' 5 '64. " " 27 'C5 

Jul) 25 Died May i '64, New H.u-cn, Ct. 

Aug. 7 ;NL O. June 10 '65, Hartford, Ct. 
lulv 25 " " 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" " 27 '65, " 

■' " 27 '65, ■' 

Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
Killed June 15 '63. Winchester. 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
Died Jan. 7 '65, Florence, S C. 
Wd. Tr.V. R. C. M. O. June 2SVJ5 
M. ("). June 27, 65, Harper's Ferry 
July 17 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
Jul\- 22 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's I'Vrry 
.Aug. 4 Discharged, disability, Feb. 3 '64. 
Jidy 25 M. O June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 2S ■• " 27 '65, 

J ulv 25 Killed June 5 '(■)4, Piedmont, Va. 
|ul\- 26 Died Feb. 3 '64, .Marlinsburg, Va. 
Jul\- 14 ^L O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 2.S Discharged, disability, Dec. 23*62 
July 16 JM. O. June 5'65, Annapolis, Md. 
.Vug. I Deserted -Vug. 26 '(\2. 
July 23 Died Aug. 10 '6 j, Cumberland, Md 
July 14 Wd. May 15 '()4 M. ( ). June 27 '65 
July 25 " June '63. Dis., dis., Feb. 15 '64 
July 18 M, O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
July 16 Died Feb. 10 '65, Florence, S. C. 
Aug. 6 M. CX June 27 '65, Harijer's F^'erry 
July 14 " May 23 '65, " " 

Aug. 6 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
Aug. II M. (). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferrv 
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. Jime 27 '65 
M. O. June 27 '05, Harper's Ferry 
Discharged, disability, .\]jril 13 '63 



July 25 
July 29 
July 25 



4o8 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY F. 



Name and Rank. 

Captain. 
Hknrv Peale 

15/ LIruteimiit. 
John E. Woodward 

2d Ijrufi-nanl. 
JoHx Albert Francis 

Scii:^tanti. 
Joseph M. Parker 
Nathan F. D. Avery, 
Edward P. Rogers 
Charles H. Carroll, 
Austin G. Monroe 

Corporals. 
Caleb R. Corey 
Joscjih Forestner 
William H. Webb 
Charles I ). lUirdick, 
Jesse \\ ilkinson 
Charles K. T, Trenn, 
George W. I.oomis 
George W. Blake 
Miisiiian. 
Julius Palmer, 

]Vai^i)iier. 
Joscpli W, Carroll 

J'rivates. 
Ainilelon, Henry 
Aldri. h. Albert C 
Brown, John A. 
Billings, Samuel D. 
Butler, Roswell 
Booth, John 
Blake, Charles S. 
Baldwin, Charles 
Bradley, John T. 
Brown, Russell M. 
Bowm, Ezra P. 
Bennett, John A. 



Resideno* 

Norwich 
Preston 
Norwich 



Franklin 
Norwich 



Remarks. 



Prest<jn 
Norwich 



'• 


Julv 




Aug. 


Vohintown 


Aug. 


Norwich 


Aug. 


'• 


July 




July 


*' 


lulv 


Mansfield 


July 


Norwich 


Aug. 


Plainfield 


Aug. 


Norwich 


.luiy 


" 


July 



Date Muster 
1862 

July 12 Pr, Lt. Col. M. O. June 27 '65. 

July 12 Pr. Capt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F. 

July 14 Pr. ist Lt. M. O. June 27 '65, H. F. 

July 15 Ai)p. in U. S. C. T. March 13 '64_ 

July 16 Discharged, disability, March 6 '63 

Aug. II App. in. U. S. C. T. Jan. 21 '64. 

July 12 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 

July 19 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 21 '■ May 10 '65, " 

Aug. 7 Died Aug. 9 '63, Cam]) Parole. 

.-^ug. 7 M. O. J\ine 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
Aug. 6 " ■' 20 '65, Hartford, Ct. 

July 12 .\pp. in U. S. C. T. March 13 '64. 

Aug. 9 M. O. May 30 '65, York, Pa. 
July 26 " June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

Aug. 7 Wd. June 15 '63, .M. O. June 27 "65 

Aug. 4 M. O. June 27 '65, Haqier's Ferry 

July 14 ']'r. Inv. Corps. .M. O. .Vug. 17 '65 



17 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
15 M. O. July 18 '65, Hartford, Ct. 
ir " June 27 '65, Harjier's Ferry 
4 " " 27 '65, 

14 Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 

22 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

21 Deserted May 25 '63. 

30 Killed June 14 '63, Winchester, ^'a 

8 '■ "5 '64, Piedmont, Va. 

7 M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

12 " May 29 '65, Annapolis June 

18 Discharged, disability, May 3 '63 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



409 



Bolham, Daniel A. 
Braman, Lucius R. 
Burnett, Albert 
Bennett, Joseph H. 
Cole, George 
Cook, Orrin 
Church, Daniel B. 
Chappell, Alfred S. 
Carroll, George 
Clark, William II. 
Caswell, Gilford 
Campbell, William H. 
I )avis, William L. 
Deming, Alfred H. 
Draper, Albion 
Draper, George 
Doyle, Timothy ( ). 
Earle, Ralph \S . 
Eldridge, Daniel I ). 
Fenton, James E. 
Fuller, Alden 
Fox, George W. 
Green, Francis R. 
(^ireen, Nathan B. 
Guile, Samuel A. 
Humes, Charles I.. 
Hyde, Henry R. 
Howard, William H. 
Hicks, James W. 
Hyde, John P. 
Kenyon, Edwin 
Kinney, William H. 
Loomis, James W . 
Lamb, Horatio R. 
Ladd, Daniel 
Murray, Charles A. 
Moffat, Nelson 
Marshall, Jolni 
Murphy, Frank E. 
Mowry, Bernard R. O. 



Kesideuce. 


Date Muster, 


Waterford 


July 


25 


Norwich 


July 


30 


" 


Aug. 


9 


Chaplin 


J lily 


23 


Griswold 


Aug. 


1 1 


Preston 


Aug. 


1 1 


Norwich 


July 


25 


" 


lulv 


22 


" 


Aug. 


4 


Preston 


fuly 


16 


l.edyard 


Aug. 


6 


Mansfield 


July 


2 r 


Norwich 


Aug. 


•5 


" 


Aug. 


9 




Aug. 


II 


" 


Aug 


i3 


" 


Aug. 


1 1 


Bozrah 


Aug. 


6 


Norwich 


Aug. 


I 2 


" 


Aug. 


9 


Griswold 


Aug. 


II 


Norwich 


July 


26 


Griswold 


Aug. 


7 


Scotland 


Aug. 


8 


Preston 


July 


30 


Bozrah 


Aug. 


8 


Franklin 


July 


29 


Norwich 


Aug, 


14 


" 


July 


30 


" 


July 


12 


Canterbury 


Aug. 


1 1 


Norwich 


Aug. 


12 


" 


Aug. 


14 


Franklin 


Aug. 


I 


Norwich 


July 


24 


" 


July 


I 2 


(Griswold 


Aug 


13 


Norwich 


Aug. 


12 


" 


July 


16 


'* 


Aug. 


7 



Wd. June '63. Dis., dis., Mch. \\(i.\ 
Discharged, disability, Nov. t6 '64 
Killed June 15 '63, Winchester, Va 
Tr. to Inv. Corps Jan. 15 '64. 
M. O. May 18 '65, New Haven, Ct 
Wd. July [8 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
Wd. June 15 '63. " " 27 '65 
Died Se]i. 17 '63, Philadelphia, i'a 
Wd. June 5 '64. M. O. June 27 '65 
.Arci. shot. Tr. to I. C Jan. 15 '64 
Discharged, disability, July id '04 
Died -Sep. 10 63, Camp Parole. 
Twice wd. M. O. June 27 '65. 
M. O. June 27 '65, PLarper's Ferry 

Discharged, disability, Oct. 22 '63 
M. O. July 14 '65, Hartford, Ct. 
May 30 '65, York, Pa. 

" June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

" ■ '• 27 '65, " 
" 20 "65. 
Died April 17 '65, Martinsburg, V'a 
\\'d. Died April 17 '65, Staunton. 
Died Feb. 24 '64, jMartinsburg, Va 
Deserted Aug, i '63. 
Wd. June 5 '64. M. (). June 27 '65 
M. O. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

■' '" 27 '65, •• 
Died April 13 '64, Martinsburg, \a 
M. O, Jtine 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

'• •■ 27 '65, '■ 
" 27 '65, 
Disc. Nov, I '64, New Haven, Ct 
M. O. lune 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 

'• " ■' 27 '6s, '• 
Pr. 2dLt. M. O.June 27 '65, H. F. 
^L (). June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 
■' 27 '65, " 
" 27 '65, 
Deserted Aug. i '63. 



4tO 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Nam.- anil Rank. 


Kcsiaeucc. 


Date Ml 


isli-r 


Remarks. 


Nicholson, Levi P. 


Preston 


July 


-3 


M. (J. June 27 '65, Harper's Ferry 


Olin, Edward 


Criswold 


July 


"4 


" " " 27 -65, " 


Palmer, Roswell 


Norw i( h 


Aug. 


6 


" 27 '65, 


Pearce, Martin 


" 


luly 


i6 


" " 27 '65. " 


Palmer, Andrew 


" 


July 


25 


" " 27,65- " 


Palmer, Almond R. 


" 


Aug. 


18 


" " 27 '65, " 


Rudden, John 


Colcliester, 


July : 


21 


" " 27'fi5, " 


Spicer, Erastus 


(iriswold, 


Aug. > 


9 


" " 27-65, •■ 


Simmons, John H. 


Norwi( h, 


July : 


22 


" " 27 '65, " 


Spencer, ( )rrin N. 


Norwich 


July 


.3° 


M. (). June 27, 65, Harper's Ferry. 


Setchel, Charles Tracy 


" 


Aug. 


1 1 


Wd. June 5/64, M. O. June 27, '65. 


Shurnway, Millen 


" 


Aug. 


9 


M. 0. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 


Sanders, Ralph CI. 


" 


Aug. 


2 


Trans, to Invalid Corps Jan. 15, '64 


Smith, James 




Aug. 


6 


M. 0. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 


Sheriden, Cornelius F. 


Colchester 


July 


'7 


Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, Va. 


Sullivan, Timothy 


(Iriswold 


Aug. 


4 


M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 


Sweet, William H. 


Ledyard 


Aug. 


9 


" " " 27,'65, " 


Trinnier, Richard 


Norwii h 


J"iy 


14 


" " 27/65, " 


Thurber, Charles !■'. 


" 


July 


28 


Wd. June 5, '64, M. O. 27,^.5 


Teflt, Willian H. 




July 


26 


M. (». May 30, '65, York Pa. 


Valentine, John 


Canterbury 


July 


-'9 


Wd. June 5,'64, M. 0. June 27, '65. 


West, George A. 


I'reston 


Aug. 


6 


M.O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 


Warren, \\'illiam 


Mansfield 


July 


2 1 


May 24,'65,Annap Junc.,Md. 


\Vright, Alanson 


C.riswold 


Aug. 


4 


Deserted June i, 1865. 


Whaley, Ceorge C. 


Norwich 


Aug. 


I r 


M. 0. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 


Weeks, James M. Jr. 


Criswold 


Aug. 


9 


Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, Va. 


Ward, James 


Norwich 


July 


16 


M. (1. June 27,65, Harper's Ferry. 


Welden, Leonard iV 


Pozrah 


Aug. 


6 


•' 27, '65, 


Whaley, William H. 


Preston 


July 


25 


Deserted .\ugust i, 1863. 


Wright, Albert 


Crisw.ild 


Aug. 


4 


M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 


Wilber, Daniel 


Xoi wich 


July 


-3 


Accidentally killed Jan. 5, 1863. 



COMPANY G 



Cap la ill. 1862. 

C.KORGE W. W.\RNF,R Woodstock Julv gWd. Discharged Oct. 4, '64. 

rst Lieiitciiaiil. 

IsR.AEL N. KiKiiE Putnam .\ug. 6 Pr. Capt. M. ( >. June 27,'65, H. F. 

2il Lieiitiiianl. 

Luther E. R.awson Woodstock .Aug. 7 Resigned Dec. 22, '62. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. _i 1 1 



Name and Kaiik. Rnsideuce. Datp Musltr. K. in,irk>. 

Sergeants. 

Albert S. Granger Putnam July 31 I'r. ist Lt. M. (J. June 27, '65, H. \ . 

Prescott M. Lyon Woodstock July 21 iJischarged, disability, Dec. 22, 63. 

Edward T. Warner " July 16 M. O. June 27/65 Harper's Ferry. 

Daniel A. I,yon " Aug. 9 Dis for appt.in U.S.C.T.,Feb.24,'64 

John B.Scott Putnau} .\ug. 7 Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, Va. 

Co)poiah. 

Cbarles A. Bosworth Woodstock Aug. S 1 )ied Dec. 27,62, Camp Emory, Md. 

Samuel L. Marcy' " July 16 Died July 15, '63, Annapolis, Md. 

Moses J. Chandler Pulnaiu .\ug. 7 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Joseph E. Rawson Woodstock July 10 " '' 27, '65, 

Edwin S. Tabor " July 21 Wd. Died Aug.22,'63,A'ap(ilis,Md. 

Eucian H. Medbury Pomlrct Aug. 7 AE t). June 27, '65, 1 larpcr's Ferry, 

lames Chipp Woodstock Aug. 8 " " 27. '^5' 

Shrimpton H. Gallu]) Putnam .\ug. 7 Wd. Disch'ed, disability, May 4,'''J5- 

Musicitiiis. 

^Villiam E. Card Putnam .\ug. 6 M. O. iMay i9,'65, Frederick, Md. 

Edward Welch Lebanon Aug. 18 " June 27, '65, Fhirpcr's Ferry. 

//'</:,■<'//( V. 

William H. Chamberlin Putnam .\ug. 11 M. U. June 7, '05, J;irvis Hospital. 

Privalcs. 

.\ldrich, Charles C. Woodstock .Vug. 9 Trans.Vet. Kes C'ps. M.O.Aug 9,'05 

Arnold, George E. " Aug. 8 M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

.Vdams, Wellington W. " Aug. 8 Died Nov. 15, '64, Florence, S. C. 

Bostow, George Killingly Aug. 8 Trans. Inv. Corps. M.O.June 29, '65. 

Baker, Darwin W. Windham .\ug. .\ W. O. June 27, '65, Harper's I-'erry. 

Burrows, Joseph Woodstock July 16 " " 27, "65, 

Birch, William H. .Sprague July 21 F)ischarged, disability, Feb. 15, '63. 

Brainard, Michael Bozrah July 21 AL O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Bundy, Henry M. Putnam Aug. 6 " " 27, '65, " 

Boutelle, Lorestus V. Woodstock .Aug. 16 " " 27, '65, 

Bugbee, George F. " .Vug. 8 " " 27, '65, 

Bundy, Asa H. " .Vug. 8 F)ied Feb. 6,'63, Baltimore, Md. 

Burrows, Charles " July 16 .\L O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Blackmar, Francis Putnam .Vug. S " " 27. '65, 

Burnes, Robert Woodstock .\ug. 15 Deserted .-Vug. '63. 

Bercume, Peter " July 21 VVd. Trans. In v. Corps Feb. 15, '64. 

Chandler, Seth E. " Aug. 12 i\L O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry 

Cummings, William W. Putnam July 30 Wd. Disc d May 27,'65,N.Hav'n,Ct. 

Currier, George Woodstock July 12 Tran.Inv.Coriis. M. C>. July 1 1,'65. 



41. 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



llosidenw. J>att' Muster, Hcniarks. 

Woodslock Aug. i M. C). June 27/65, Harjier's Ferry. 

" Aug. 21 Wd. and captured June 5/64. 

I'utnaui Aug. 5 M. O. June 27/65, Harper's Ferry. 

Woodstock Aug. 8 Discharged, disability, Feb. 27, '64. 

Putnam July 31 M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Woodstock Aug. 12 " " 27,'65, " " 

Putnam Aug. 11 " " 27, '65, " " 

Aug. 13 " " 27, '65, 

Woodstock Aug. 13 VVd. M.O.May 18, "65, New Haven. 

Windham July 28 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Woodstock Aug. J 2 " " 27, '65, " " 

" Aug. 13 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va. 

Colchester July 25 Discharged, disability, Mar. 25, '63. 

Tolland July 26 Tr.Inv.Corps.M.O.Jun.29,'65,Phila. 

Woodstock July 26 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Putnam July 28 '" " 27, '65, " " 

" July ig Mis. in action, May 15, '64. Sup.d'd. 

Windham Aug. 6 Discharged, disability, Mar. i,'63. 

Woodstock July 16 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
July 18 " " 27,'65, 

" July 26 " May 18, '65, New Haven. 

Norwich July 28 " June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

I'utnam July 26 Wd. M. (). June 27, '65, " " 

Killingly Aug, 9 Killed June 14, '63, Winchester,Va. 

Woodstock July 16 Discharged, disability, Mar. 25, '63. 

" July 16 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester,Va. 

Putnam Aug. 8 " " " " 

" July 3° 1^- O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Woodstock Aug. 5 " '' 27, '65 " " 

" Aug. 8 Died Dec. 3, "62, at camj) in Md. 

Putnam Aug. 8 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 6 Wd. M. O. June 27, '65, " 

^Vindham July 30 Discharged, disability, Dec. 22, '62. 

Putnam Aug. 12 Wd. M.O. Jun. 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

Woodstock July 17 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Killingly July 30 Tr.In.Corps.M.O.Jul.i4,'65,Elmira. 

Putnam Aug. 5 Disch'd May 28, '64, New Haven. 

Windham July 22 M. O. May 31, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

'' July 26 " June 27, '65, " " 

Tolland Aug. 6 Wd. M. O. May 30, '65, York. 



I >avison, Peter 
Davis, Ichabod C. 
Darby, Daniel K. 
Davenport, Cyrus C. 
Kddy, Albert S. 
Fox, Walter T. 
Foster, Alonzo 
(ileason, Lawrenc F. 
Gerue, Peter 
Hempstead, Charles J. 
Howard, \Villis G. 
Howard, George E. 
Kinnie, Thomas 
Ladd, George W. 
Leitcher, Gilbert 
Lapoint, Stephen 
Morrison, John 
Main, Gershom P. 
Marcy, John N. 
Moore, William F. 
Newton, Enoch E. 
Neill, Henry P. 
Ockery, Samuel C. 
Oatley, Stephen H, 
Pettit, Matthew 
Parsons, Willard O., 
Pickett, George W. 
Robinson, Henry 
Redhead, Frederick W. 
Rawson, Stiles 
Randall, Prescotl J. 
Rogers, Tracy 
Riley, John 
Read, Frank 
Smith, Abner P., Jr. 
Smith, Henry A. 
Sanders, John 
Smith, Joseph 
Snow, William N. 
Smith, Hiram 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



41, 



Stone, fames M. 
Scott, John C;. 
Smith, Wallace 
Spaulding, Francis M. 
Taft, Lowell 
Thornton, Cyrus 
Tripp, James K. 
Underwood, George VV 
Whitney, Josiah \S . 
Weeks, Marquis J. 
Walker, Vernon Iv 
Wilcox, Lowell 
Wells, John D. 
Weeks, Benjamin 1'. 
Wilcox, John H. 
Young, Richmond A. 



Itesideuce. 

Woodstock 

Windham 

Woodstock 

Putnam 

Killingly 

I'utnam 

Windham 
Putnam 
Eastford 
Woodstock 



P^astford 
\Voodstock 



Date Mvistp 
Aug. 9 
Aug. 7 
Aug. I 
Aug. 6 
Aug. 14 
Aug. 9 
Aug. 21 
July -\^ 
Aug. 7 
Aug. 4 
July 12 
July 2, 
Aug. 6 
July 16 
Aug. 30 
July 22 



M. (.). June 27, '65, PIar|)er's Perry. 
Discharged, disability. May 14, '64. 
killed June 15, '63, Winchester. 
M. n. May 17, '65, Grafton. 

June 27, '65, Harper's Perry. 
" 27,'65, 
Wd. Dis. May 27, '65, New Haven. 
Died Jan. 27, '65, Florence. 
Dis. May 30, '65, Worcester. 
Killed July 18, '64, Snicker's P"y. 
AL ( ). lunc 27, '65, Har|)er's Ferry. 
" " " -^7-'65, " " 

" 27/65, 
" 27. '65. 
Died July 20, '64, w'ds rec. in ac'n. 
'Prans. to Inv. Corps Sept. 30, '63. 



COMPANY H. 



Captain. 
Ch.'\rles D. Bowen Windham 

1st Lieutenant. 
J.\MES F. Long, Jr. Windham 

2d Lieutenant. 
Andrew W. 1,oomis Tolland 

Sergeants. 
William H. Locke 
George Y,. Jordan 
Thomas Spencer 
Chester A. Tourtelott 
Albert S. Blish 

Corporal. 
Sanford A. Comins 
John E. Barrows 
Hezekiah Thompson 
Seth S. Chapman 
William H. Boyden 
Thomas Jordon 
Charles H. Chase 
William J. Whiteside Coventry 



\Vindham 



Tolland 
Windham 



\\'indham 



Chaplin 
Windham 



rS62. 
July 22 Wd. June 15, '64. M.U. June 27. '65 

July 24 Resigned November 9, '62. 

July 22 I'r. 1st Lt. Nov. 9,'62. M.O.June 27'65 

July 12 " 2d Lt. " Hon.dis May i5'65 
July 22 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
July 22 " " 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
July 21 Died of wds Aug.i5,'64,L'chb'g,Va. 
July 24 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 24 Wd. June 5, '64. M.O. June 27,'65. 

.Vug. 5 AP <). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

July 24 " '■ 27, '65, " " 

Aug. 5 Died Sei)t. 17, '63, Annapolis, Md. 

July 22 ]\L (). June 27, '65, Har[)er's Ferry. 

July 24 " " 27, '65, " " 

Aug. 4 Deserted April 11, '63. 

July 29 Wd. June 15, '63. M.O. June 27, '65. 



414 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name aud Rank. 


lUsideace. 


Date Ml 


stor. 


Musicians. 








William W. I'erry 


Windham 


July 


-^3 


Van Buren Jordan 




July 


-'4 


Wai:::oiici\ 








C.eorge \V. Herrick 


Windham 


July 


-4 


Privates. 








Adams, Russell VV. 


Tolland 


July 


3- 


Adams, Jolin Q. 


Chaplin 


Aug. 


5 


Apley, Henry 


" 


Aug. 


4 


Ashley, Earl 


" 


Aug. 


4 


Apley, Andrew J. 


" 


Aug. 


4 


Bingham, Elsworth W. 


*' 


Aug. 


5 


Barber, Charles A. 


Tolland 


July 


22 


Buchanan, Moses 


Windham 


July 


23 


Briggs, George S. 




July 


26 ' 


Buckley, Alfred 


" 


July 


n 


Kabcock, Courtland, Jr 


** 


Aug. 


6 


Buckingham, Wm. H. 


" 


July 


2 1 


Bennett, Nathaniel W. 


" 


Inly 


-5 


Bull, George A. 


'' 


luly 


1 2 


Backus, Albert H, 


Windham 


July 


26 


Blivin, George R. 




July 


22 


Brooks, Charles U. 


■Inlland 


Aug. 


6 


Brown, William B. 


'' 


July 


22 


Cushman, Iznart I'. 


Windham 


Aug. 


5 


Connor, Thomas 


" 


July 


16 


Colburn, Jonathan S. 


Chaplin 


Aug. 


6 


Carney, James 


\Vindham 


July 


23 


Crandall, Amos G. 


'' 


July 


28 


Carney, John 




Aug. 


9 


Dean, William 


HamiJton 


Aug. 


7 


Dawley, Andrew H. 


Windham 


Aug. 


5 


Dilliber, Andrew N. 




Aug. 


5 


Eaton, Eben R. 


" 


July 


28 


Farnham, Martin V. B. 


Tolland 


July 


24 


Fenton, Anson A. 


Chaplin 


Aug. 


2 


Foss, Ambrose 


Coventry 


Aug. 


I 


Farnham, Dwight C. 


Tolland 


Aug 


I 


Gurley, Franklin E. 


Chaplin 


Aug. 


4 


Gleason, Willbur H. 


Windham 


Aug. 


5 



July 23 M. (_». May 18, '65, New Haven, Ct. 
" 18/65, 

May ^o,'6;, York, I'a. 



I)icd Aug. S.'63, Annapolis, Md. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Died Jan. 9, '64, Annapolis, Md. 
Killed June i5,'63, Winchester.Va. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Wd. July i8,'64. M.O. June 27,'65 
Killed June is,'63, Winchester, Va. 
M. G. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Tr.I.C'psMayi5,'64.M.().Julyi5'65 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
" 27, '65, 
May i8,'65. New Haven, Ct. 
Wd.June5,'64. D.Oct.i3,'64,An'vle 
Trans. V. R. C. M.O. June 28,'65. 
M. O. July 5, '65, Hartford, Ct. 
Wd.June 15, '63. M.O. June 27,'65. 

" May IS, '64. " " 27, '65. 

" June 5, '64. Disc.dis.Mar.2s'6s 
Died April 7, '63, Baltimore, Md. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Died Feb. 15, '65, Danville, Va. 
Wd. June 5, '64. M.O.June 27, '65. 
" i8,'64. " " 27,'65. 
Kid. July i8,'64,Snicker's Ferry, Va. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Discharged, disability, Oct. i4,'62. 
Killed June i.S,'63, Winchester, Va. 
Wd. May 15, '64. M.O.June 27, '65. 

" June 5, '64. " " 27, '65. 
Killed June i5,'63, Winchester.Va. 
Deserted May 13, '63. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Hariier's Ferry. 
Died Oct. 17, '64, Cumberland, Md. 
Tr.I.Cor.Jan.15,'64, M.O. Jul.2,'6s. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



415 



Name and Rank, 


liesidencG. 


Dale Mustc 


Gager, John F. 


(.Coventry 


Aug. 


5 


Green, Amos P. 


" 


Aug. 


5 


Golding, Joseph 


Windham 


July 


23 


Griggs, William W. 


Ellington 


Aug. 


I 


(jnindy, John 


Windham 


Aug. 


I 


Holland, Eber S. 


" 


Uily 


22 


Harris, Horatio A. 


" 


July 


24 


Harris, George D. 


•' 


luly 


23 


Haskell, Charles 


" 


July 


25 


Harrington, Francis S. 


Coventry 


Aug. 


5 


Hall, William H. 


Windham 


Aug. 


6 


Hall, Origen 




Aug. 


S 


He\crin, Patrick J. 


" 


July 


2.) 


Johnson, Richard M. 


" 


July 


2.; 


Kcnyon, Otis G. 




Aug. 


4 


Kenworthy, Joseph 


" 


July 


2.? 


Lewis, William 


" 


July 


23 


Lewis, Francis E. 


" 


Aug. 


6 


Lewis, Charles H. 


" 


Aug. 


5 


Long, James F. 


" 


July 


■^4 


Metcalf, Job 




July 


-M 


Miller, Frederick 


Tolhiiid 


July 


-y 


Newcomb, Lucius 1 1. 


( 'oven try 


luly 


29 


Nilcs, Jdhn 


I'ranklin 


July 


15 


Pilling, JariRs 


\\ indham 


July 


23 


Perkins, Josejih M. 




Aug. 


4 


Palmer, Pierce 


Tolland 


July 


24 


Reffelt, Frederick 


Ciiventry 


July 


29 


Rogers, F^mery 1 ). 


Tolland 


Aug. 


6 


Ripley, F^dward F. 


Windham 


July 


22 


Robinson, John M. 


( '()\ entrv 


Aug. 


6 


Robertson, Lacon \\ . 


'• 


Aug. 


5 


Sullivan, Dennis 


Windham 


July 


24 


Snell, Alfred A. 


Tolland 


July 


25 


Smith, Lester C. 


Chaplin 


Aug. 


5 


Shay, John 


\\'indham 


July 


|S 


Sweet, Daniel K. 


'I'hompson 


July 


26 


Thiimas, Fdwin 


Windham 


Aug. 


7 


Tracy, Alfred E, 


Tolland 


July 


30 


Trac) , Henry G. 


Coventry 


Aug. 


6 



Died Feb. i5,''j5, Florence, S. C. 
Tr.LCor.Feb.i5,'64.M.O.Jul.i4,'05 
FJied Oct. ii,'64, Charleston, S. C 
Wd. June 5,'')4. l.)ied June r5,Vj4 
M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry 
l^ischarged, disability. iNLar. 25, '63 

5,'^'3 
Wd. June 15, '63. ^L O. Jun.27,'65 
F)ied F"eb. i9,'65, Salisbury, N. C. 
Wd. June, '63. M. O. June 27,Y)5_ 
" May 15, "64. Killed May 20, '64. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'erry. 
Wd. May 15, '64. M.O. June 27, '65. 
M. O. June 27, '65. Harper's Ferry_ 

" 27,'65, 
Wd. July 18, '64. Disch. June 9,'(')5. 
Wd. May 15, '64. Died Sep. 7, '64. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'erty 
Discharged, disability, Sej). 20, '63. 
May 2S,'64. S.O.W.D. 
Wd. June 15, '64. M.( ).June 27, '65. 
M. ( ). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Died Feb. 13, '65, I)an\ille. ^'a. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" " '• 27, '65, 

" " 27,'65, ^" " 

Tr. In\. Corps Sept. 30, '63. 
M. ( ». June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Wd. Dis. June 3,'55,3p.in U.S.C.T. 
Tr.In.Cor.Mayi,'64.M.O.Jul.2i,'65. 
M. f). June 27, '65, Harper's F'erry. 

27, "75, 
Wd. June 5, '64. M. O. June 27'6s. 
Died Aug. 25, '63, Annapolis, Md. 

" luly 26, '64, Martinsburg, A'a. 
Deserted .\ug. 27, '63. 
Wd. June 3, '64. .M. ( 1. June 27, '65. 
Died June 4, ''13, Willimantic, Ct. 
Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va. 
Wd. July iS,'64. M.O. June 27, '65. 



4i6 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Xamp ami Rank. Kesideiice. Date Atiister. Keinarks. 

Wilson, Albert C Windham July 25 ^^. ( ). May 19, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Watts, Joseph " Aug. 4 " June 27, '65, " " 

Webster, John R. Tolland July 21 " " 27, '65, " " 

Wise, Jacob Coventry July 29 Deserted Aug., 1863. 

Weldon, Alonzo 'riiompson July 26 Wounded and captured June 5, '64. 

Wilber, Atnariah Coventry July 26 Died May 3, '65, Wilmington, N. C- 

Williams, Everett Willington Aug. 7 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Wilber, George H, Coventry Aug. 5 Discharged, disability, Mar. 14, '63. 



COMPANY I. 



Caf'/aiii. 
Samuel R. Knapi' Norwich 

rst LieiitcniDif. 
loHN H. Morrison 

2d Lieuteihiiil. 
Martin \'. R. Tiffany 

John Lilley 
James R. Pilkenton 
Bently Shaw- 
Allen L. Moore 
James A. Allen 

Corporal: 
William Finken 
George Cook 
Gardner \. Lewin 
Daniel E. Beebe 
Sebastian P. Kepler, 
Charles Derby, 
Isaac Roath 
Henry D. Gleason 

Musician. 
Harvey L. Muzzy " 

Wai^oiicr. 
Henry F"rink Plainfield 

Privates. 
Albee, William H. Lyme 

Acksler, Adam Norwich 

Brown, Wheaton Sprague, 



Middletown 
Norwich 



Preston 
Putnam 
Norwich 



Preston 
Norwich 



1862. 
Aug. 21 Resigned June 6, '63. 

Aug. 21 Pro. Capt. T>ismissed Sep. i,'64. 

Aug. 21 Wd. Pro. Cajit. M. ( ). June 27, '65. 

Aug. 14 Wd. Pro, Capt. M. O. June 27, '65. 

Aug. 20 Deserted August 26, '64. 

Aug. 4 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 13 " " 27, '65, 

July 30 " " 27, '65, 

Aug. 6 " " 27,'6s, 

Aug. 14 " '• 27,'65, 

Aug. 5 Deserted May 4, '63. 

Aug. 5 M. O. May 30,'65, York, Pa. 

Aug. 12 Wd. M.O.June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

Aug. 4 M. (). " 27, '65, " " 

July 30 Wd. M.O. " 27,'65, 

Aug. 6 " Capt'd " 1 1, '64, Staunton, \'a. 

May 30 M. O. " 10, '65, Hartford. 

July 30 " " 27, '65, Harjier's F'y 

Aug. 8 Wd. M. O. " 2 7, '65, " " 
July 15 " Died Oct. 5, '64, Madisonsille. 
July 22 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



4'7 



Name and Rank. 


nesidence. 


Date JIi: 


istcr. 


BigL-low, James S. 


Sprague 


J"iy 


22 


Beckwith, Charles H. 


Norwich 


July 


3° 


Bogue, Jabez H. 


Lyme 


Aug. 


8 


Bliss, William H. 


Plainfield 


Aug. 


5 


Bliss, Levi C. 


'• 


Aug. 


5 


Bingham, Charles K. 


Canterbury 


July 


25 


Benjamin, James E. 


Preston 


Aug. 


8 


Biggs, Abram 


Norwich 


Aug. 


4 


Barnes, William 


Tolland 


July 


24 


Carpenter, Judson T. 


Mansfield 


July 


I 7 


Corey, John F. 


Norwich 


Aug. 


7 


Couch, Thomas 'X . 


Griswold 


Aug. 


7 


Carl, Martin 


Norwich 


Aug. 


8 


Church, Charles H. 


Lyme 


Aug. 


7 


Clark, Lucius P. 


Mansfield 


July 


2 1 


Donahue, Daniel 


Sprague 


July 


22 


Dean, Andrew 


Tolland 


July 


'7 


Kccleston, Thomas H. 


Preston 


Aug. 


10 


Earl, William R. 


Sprague 


Aug. 


1 1 


Gordon, Archibald 


Brooklyn 


Aug. 


'9 


Green, Palmer S. 


Griswold 


Aug. 


8 


Hall, William S. 


Lyme 


Aug. 


9 


Harris, George W. 


Preston 


July 


19 


Hall, William 


Norwich 


Aug. 


1 1 


Hall, Charles H. 


Lyme 


Aug. 


9 


Hayes, William 


Norwich 


Aug. 


2 


Handy, Hiram 


C.riswold 


Aug. 


7 


Hall, Harvey 


L) nie 


Aug. 


8 


Herrick, John P. 


Griswold 


Aug. 


8 


Hills, Herman 


Norwich 


Aug. 


8 


Higginbothom, D. 1'. 


("oventry 


July 


18 


Kent, Harrison A. 


Willington 


Aug. 


6 


Lathrop, Joseph 0. 


Norwich 


Aug. 


6 


Leary, Timothy 


Griswold 


July 


26 


Laferty, James 


Norwich 


Aug. 


1 1 


Linton, Benjamin 


Griswold 


Aug. 


2 


Long, John 


Norwich 


July 


■5 


Miller, Charles S. 


Sprague 


Aug. 


13 


McEvvin, Hugh 


" 


Aug. 


9 


Miner, Charles C. 


Lyme 


Aug. 


8 



M. O. June 27, '65, ILirper's Ferry. 
Died December i,'62, Norwich. 
Killed June 5,'04, Piedmont, Va. 
M. O. " 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" " 27,'65, " " 

Deserted Sept. 9, '62. 
Wd. M. O. June 23, '65, Annapolis. 
Deserted Nov. ir,'64. 
Discharged, disability, Mar. 8, '63. 

Dec. 23, '62. 
Wd. M.O. J une 2 7, '65 .Harper's l'"y. 
M. O. " 27,'65, " 
Died Sep. 25, '64, Sandy Hook, Md. 
M. O. July 25, '65, York, Pa. 

" June 27, '65, Har|ier's Ferry. 

" 27, '65, 

" 27, '65, 

" 27, '65, 

" 27, '65, 
Discharged, disability. May 18, '64. 
Wd. M.( ). June 27,'r)5,Harper'sF'y. 
M. (). " 27,'6s, " 
Discharged, disability, Feb. 15, '(■13. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" 27, '65, 
Deserted December 16, '62. 
M. ( ». June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

■' 27,'6s, 
Died Jan. 26, '64, Martinsburg, Va. 
r)eserted Aug. 30, '62. 
Discharged, disability. Mar. 8, '63. 
M. ( ). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Wd.M.O. " 27, '65, 
Discharged, disability, Dec. i6,'63. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Discharged l^ec. 27, '62. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
Wd. M. O. May 2o,'65, Frederick. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry 
Discharged, disability, April 28, '63. 



4i8 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name antl Rauk. 

Morfitt, James 
Newcomb, Jason 
Peckhani, Gardner C. 
Peter, William 
Porter, Charles F. 
Quinley, James K. P. 
Quigley, Edward 
Ringross, Michael 
Kand, William C. 
Rogers, Henry 
Robertson, William 
Robbins, Miner 
Spencer, James G. 
Stocking, Theodore B. 
Spaiilding, Edwin 
Stanton, Solomon 
Steers, Thomas A. 
Taylor, William H. 
Thornhill, William S. 
Wallace, William 
AVilber, John A. 
Woodward, Elisha A. 
Wright, Franklin S. 
Wild, Lineaus 
Williams, David 



Itesiilence. Date Muster. Remarks. 

Killingly Aug. 5 M. (). July 25, '65, York, Pa. 

Tolland July 23 " " May i8,'65, NewHaven. 

Lyme -^n,?- 8 " June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Norwich July 28 Deserted Aug. 30, '62. 

Tolland July 17 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry 

Lyme Aug. 8 " " 27, '65, " " 

Griswold Aug. 21 Discharged, disability. Mar. 8, '63. 

Norwich July 28 Discharged Nov. 23, '63. 

Lyme Aug. 9 M. O. June 27, '65, Harjjer's Ferry. 

Griswold Aug. 11 " '• 27, '65, " " 

Sprague Aug. 13 " " 27, '65, " " 

Plainfield July 25 " " 27, '65, " '' 

Preston Aug. 7 " " 27, '65, " " 

Norwich Aug. 11 " " 27, "65, " " 

I'reston Aug. V2 Wd. M. O. June 27, '65, " 

Plainfield Aug. 10 M. O. June 27, '65, " 

Norwich Aug. 21 " " 27, '65, " " 

" July 14 Discharged June r,'64. 

Sprague Aug. 9 Wd.M.O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

Norwich Aug. 14 Deserted August 22, '62. 

Aug. 17 Wd. Dischd., disability, May 8,'65. 

Canterbury July 20 W. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Norv,ich Aug. 17 Discharged, disability, Jan. 26, '65. 

Griswold Aug. 11 Wd. June 5, '64. Cap. June ii,'64. 

Willington Aug. 17 " " 5, '64, M. O. July 5. '65. 



CO MP AN V A'. 



Captain. 
Ezra J. Matthewson Killingly 

1st Lieutenant. 
George Kies 

2d Lieutenant. 

ASAHEL G. SCRANTON " 

Sergeants. 
Atwood Kimball " 

Reuben W. Scott Plainfield 
Walter Young " 

Jerome B. Cahoone " 



1862. 
Aug. 

Aug. 



8 M. ( ). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

o " " 27, '65, 

Aug. 5 " " 27, '65, 

Aug. 8 " " 27, '65, 

Aug. 9 " " 27, '65, 

Aug. 7 Killed Jan. 6, '63, Havre de Grace. 

Aug. 9 " June 5, '64, at Piedmont, Va. 



CONNECTICUT VOL UN TEERS. 



419 



Name aud Hank. 

Corporals. 
Joseph U. Hall 
Alonzo B. PottLi 
Cieorge H. Curtiss 
Joseph F. Griffiths 
James L. Adams 
Charles Bartlett 
Erastus K. Potter 
Alfred Pray 

Musicians 

Daniel Pray 
Daniel G. Bennett 

IVagonrr. 
\\'illiani C^omins 

Privates. 
Adams, William H. 
Burroughs, Cyrus 
Bassett, Thomas D. 
Burdick, Asher 
Brown, George 
Bowes, Edward E. 

Burnham, Oliver B. 

Bates, Sheldon, Jr., 

Billington, Randall 

Bowen, Jabez L. 

Bowen, Leonard 

Baker, Albert 

Babson, Henry W. 

Bartlett, Almond 

Bates, Thomas T. 

Burroughs, Cyrus, Jr., 

Burns, John W. 

Curtis, Rufus D. 

Crandall, Thomas 

Covell, Arba R. 

Champlin, Oliver ^V. 

Casey, Michael 

Chase, Frank A. 

Carder, James A. 

Day, Charles 



Uesideucc. 


Dale JIuster. 


Killingly 


Aug. 


1 ^ 




Aug. 


,S 


Brooklyn 


Aug. 


.S 


Killingly 


Aug. 


9 


Plninfield 


Aug. 


9 


Killingly 


Aug. 


9 



VVd. June 5, '64. M. O. June 27*65. 
<S M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
" 27/65, 
" '5/65, 
" 27, '65, " 
9 Died Feb. 20, '64, Richmond, Va. 
.Aug. 9 M. O. June, 21, '65, Anapolis, Md. 



Aug. 9 



27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 



I'liiinfield Aug. 9 " " 27, '65, 

Killingly .Aug. 9 Killed June 15, '63, Winchester, Va. 

" .\ug. 9 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 



July 31 " " 27/65, 

July 27 Trans. Vet. Res, Corps Mch. 4, '64, 

Aug. 4 Discharged, disability, Feb. 15, '64. 

Aug. 5 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 6 " " 2 7, '65, 

Aug. 8 " " 27, '65, 

Aug. 13 Died of wds. Feb. 12/64, Mart'bg. 

Aug. 8 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F"erry. 

Aug. 9 Deserted Sept. 2, 1863. 

Aug. 9 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 9. Wd. June 63. M. ( ). June 27, '65. 

Aug. 9 M. C). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 9 " '■ 27, '65, 

Aug. 9 Wd. June '63. M. ( ). June 27, '65. 

Aug. 13 Wd. July i8,'64. " 

.Aug. 13 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 8 " " 2 7, '65, 

Aug. I Wd. June 5, '64. M. O. June 27, '65. 

Aug. 8 M. O. June 26, '64, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. 7 " " 27,'65, 

Aug. 7 Wd. July 18, '64. M.O. June 27, '65. 

Aug. 8 M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

Aug. r I " " 27, '65, " " 

Aug. ir " " 27,'65, 



Plainfield 
Killingly 



Aug. 9 



27/65. 



420 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Kauk. Uesidonce, Date Muster. 

Duprey, John H. Killingly Aug. 

Fisk, Erastus E. " Aug. 

Goodell, William " Aug. 

Griffiths, Charles K. " Aug. 

Grave?, Edwin P. " Aug. 

Glinn, John " Aug. 

Handy, Davis U. " Aug. 

Harrington, Ira '' Aug. 

Hughes, John Plainfield Aug. 

Handy, Francis H. Killingly Aug. 

Harrington, William B. Sterling Aug. 

Halleck, Moses Killingly Aug. 

James, Roland R. " Aug. 

Jackson, Jerome A. " Aug. 

Jordan, Denison P. Plainfield Aug. 

Keach, John Killingly Aug. 

King, Benoni " Aug. 

Kelly, John " July 

Ixavens, William H. H. Plainfield Aug. 

Law, Parris M. Killingly Aug. 

Moffit, Eber, Jr., " Aug. 

Miller, Jabez " Aug. 

McDougal, Daniel " Aug. 

Miller, James D. " Aug. 

Niles, Sumner " Aug. 

Niles, Edmund " Aug. 

Newell, William H. " Aug. 

Potter, James " Aug. 

Penry, John " Aug. 

Penry, Charles O. " Aug. 

Pike, Reuben A. Plainfield Aug. 

Pike, John " Aug. 

Robl)ins, Albert Brooklyn Aug. 

Reynolds, Charles Plainfield Aug. 

Sharkey, Robert Killingly Aug. 

Short, Levi M. " Aug. 

Sweet, William W. Plainfield Aug. 

Sullivan, Lawrence Killingly Aug. 

Scholes, Robert " Aug. 

Smith, Barnard "' Aug. 



8 Deserted Aug. r6, 1863. 

9 M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

8 " "" 27,'65, 
13 " " 27/65, 

3 " " 27/65, 

9 Wd. June 5, '64. M. O. June 27, '65. 
10 " 5, '64. " May 18, '65. 
13 Tr. V. R. C. M. O. Aug. 13/65. 

9 Deserted June 18, 1S63. 

Discharged, disability, Feb. 3, '64. 
Deserted ^lay 13, 1863, 
Dis. Feb. 2 2,'64, order Sec. of War. 
M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

" " 27,'65, " 
Wd.Tr.Inv. Cordis. M. (). July 3,'65. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
" May 25, '65, Worcester, Mass. 
30 Discharged June 9, 1864. 

4 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
13 " " 27,'65, 

Discharged, disability, Mch. 2, '63. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Hari>er's Ferry. 
" " 27,'65, . " 
" 27,'65, 
" 27, '65, 
" " 2, '65, Jar. U.S.A. Hos. 
8 Wd. June 5/64. M. O. June 27,'6s. 
8 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
13 Died Nov. 28,'62, Havre de Grace. 
13 Wd. June 5. M. O. June 27,'65. 
7 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

7 Discharged Nov. 26, 1863. 

8 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 
13 Deserted Aug. i, 1863. 

7 Killed June 15/63, Winchester, Va. 

9 Wd. June 5,'64. Died June 3o,'64. 
4 Discharged, disability, June 15, '63. 

8 " " Dec. 19, '63. 
7 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry. 

II Deserted May 23, 1863. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 421 



Name and Rank. Resideucc, Date Muster. Ittjmarks. 

Sweet, John H. Killingly Aug. 5 M. O. May 19/65, Harper's Ferry 

Short, Daniel S. " Aug. 9 Discharged, disability, Mch. 2,'63 

Smith, Samuel " Aug. 9 M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's Ferry, 

Smith, James M. " Aug. 9 Killed in act'n July i8,'64, S. F.Va 

Smith, Almanzo M. " Aug. 8 Wd. June 5, '64. M. ( ). June 27,'65 

Sparks, Henry K. " Aug. 5 M. (). June 27, '65, Harjier's Ferry 

Trask, Albert D. Plainfield Aug. 11 " " 27, '65, 

Taylor, William A. Sterling Aug. 1 1 " " 27, '65, " 

Taylor, Henry Ci. " Aug. 1 1 " " 27, '65, " 

Wade, Henry L. Pomfret Aug. 8 " " 27, '65, " 

Wilmot, Felix W. Killingly Aug. 8 Deserted Dec. 8, 1862. 

Wood, Franklin " Aug. 10 M. O. June 27,'65, Harper's Ferry 

Wilson, George I, . " July 29 Disch. May i9,'65, New Haven, Ct 

Walker, Lewis " Aug. 8 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's Ferry 

Young, James H. Pomfret Aug. 9 " " 27, '65, " " 

Young, Maxcy Killingly Aug. 8 Discharged, disability, July 1863. 

Young, Charles " Aug. 10 Wd. June,'63.Dis.disab., June 8,'65 



422 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



RECRUITS 



COMPANY A. 



Name aud Kauk. 

Allen, Alonzo N. 
Allen, Charles 
Baker, Erastus 
Brown, Francis 
Congdon, Benjamin 
Carver, William 
Clark, John 
*Carpenter, Daniel 
Dewing, James 
Jones, Thomas F. 
Johnson, William H. 
McDavitt, Arthur 
McKackine, James 
Phinney, John 
Wells, Joseph A. 
Wetherel, Benjamin S. 



Date Muster. 



Canterbury 

Norwich 

Canterbury 

Stonington 

Lebanon 

Norwich 

On roll 
Canterbury 
Bridgeport 
Canterbury 
Stonington 
Putnam 
Canterbury 
Marlboro' 
Norwich 



Jan. 4, '64 M.O. June 27,'65, Harper's F 
Dec. 28, '64 " " 27, '65, " ' 

Dec. 29, '63 " May 31, '65, " 
Jan. 17, '65 " June 27, '65, " 
Jan. 2, '64 " " 27, '65, 
Apr.21,'64 Dishon. discharged May8,'65. 
Dec.24,'64 M.O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 
Feb. 28, '65 " " 27,'65, " 
Dec 29, '63 " " 27, '65, " 
Mayi3,'63 Killed June i5,'63, Winchester 
Dec.29,'63 M.O. May 31, '65, Harper's F'y 



Jan. 17, 65 
Jan. i8,'65 
Jan. 4,'64 
Dec. 3 1, '64 
Jan. 3, '65 



June 27, 65, 
" 27/65, 
" 27,'6s, 
" 27/65, 
" 27,'65, 



Armington, Samuel 
Armington, Charles 
Blanchard, C. F. C. 
Clemons, George 
Durfee, Leonard 

♦Substitute or drafted. 



COMPANY B. 
Killingly 



Dec.31,'63 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y- 

Dec.31,'63 " " 27,'6s, 

Feb. 5, '64 " " 27, '65, 

Jan. 25, '64 " " 27,'6s, 

Dec. 3, '63 Discharged disability Oct. 1 3, '64. 



CONNECTICUT VOL UNTEERS. 



42: 



Name and Rank. 

Jencks, Albert L. 
Knowlton, George H. 
McRoy, William 
Ninis, William 
Smith, Charles W. 
Smith, Elisha 
Smith, John F. 
Sherman, Willet H 



Residence. 

Sterling 

Lebanon 

Killingly 

Lebanon 



Dec. 7, '63 M. (). June 7,'65, Jarvis Hosp. 

Nov. 23, '63 Trans. July 15, '64, to igth (.'t. 

Mar. 2, '64 Died Oct. 27, '64, Annapolis. 

Mar. 2/64 M. (). July 15, '65, 

Dec. 3, '63 " June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

Dec. I, '63 " " 27, '65, " " 

Feb. 29, '64 " " 27, '65, " " 

Mar. 2, '64 " " 27, '65, " " 



COMPANY C. 



Adams, Judson M. I, 
Brown, Benjamin B. 
Bates, Charles E. 
Burnhain, James T. 
Cady, James 
Cryne, Martin 
Connell, Joseph 
Corey, Richmond 
*Crudy, Patrick 
Fry, Joseph R. 
Gamble, James 
Gott, Gilbert H. 
Gordon, Frank H. 
Haggerty, James 
Hauervvas, Ludwig 
Lee, Charles C. 
Lombard, (Jrvando 
Loomis, Thomas A. 
McNamara, Patrick 
Munroe, Thomas 
Trueman, Frank M. 
Warren, John E. 
Withey, William H. 
Wolf, Aaron 
Washburn, Edwin 



Killingly 

Lebanon 

Thompson 

Williniantic 

Woodstock 

Windham 

Norwich 

Lebanon 

Pom fret 

Hartford 

Canterbury 

Colchester 

Windham 
J^ebanon 
Norwich 
Lebanon 

Norwich 

Sprague 

Norwicli 

Woodstock 

New Haven 

Lebanon 



Feb. 5, '64 
Dec. 30, '63 
Jan. 4, '64 
Dec 3o,'63 
Dec. 1 6, '63 
Jan. 5, '64 
Jan. 25, '64 
Mar. 16, '64 
Sept. 2, '64 
Dec. 2 1, '63 
Dec. 2 i,'63 
Jan. 23, '64 
Dec. 30, '63 
Jan. s,'64 
Dec. 22, '63 
Dec,24,'63 
Jan. i5,'64 
Feb. 5, '64 
Jan. I, '64 
Feb. 1 1,'64 
Dec. 16, '63 
Dec. 16, '63 
Dec. 2, '63 
Dec.31,'63 
Feb. 5, '64 



M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 
May i8,'65. New Haven 
AL (). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 
Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, V 
M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 

" 27,'<''S. 
Disch. disab. June 2 [,'65, N. \\ 

i\Lirch 25, '65. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 
" " " 27-'65, 
" 37. '65, 
Died Aug. 30, '64, Andersonville 
M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's F'y 

■' -'7/65. 

Disch. disab. May 6,'65, N. H 

M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
" " " 27/65, " " 

" " 27,'6s, ' " 

Died January 19, 1S65. 

M. O. June 27, 1865. 

Deserted November 27, 1864. 

M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's F'y 
27, '65, Harper's F'y 

Deserted June 2, 1865. 

M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 



424 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



Name and Rank. 



Aldricli, Frederick A. 
Buck, George C. 
Brayton, Charles E. 
Buckley, James F. 
Bickford, Vernon 
Babbitt, Allen 
Buck Joseph W. 
Bates, Samuel H. 
Bradley, Mitchell 
Converse, Joel T. 
Clark Patrick 
Dodge, George W. 
*Kllis, Lutus C. 
Fox, David C. 
Green, Lyman W. 
Grealy, John 
*Griggs, Stephen A. 
Handy, William H. 
Long, Edward 
Miller, Melancthon P. 
O'Donnell, George 
Sanford, John 
Wakeley, Clarence 



Re si donee. 


Date Muster, 


COMPANY D. 


Thom|)Son 


Aug. 1 8 '64 


'• 


]:)ec. I, '63 


" 


Dec. I, '63 


" 


Nov. 2, '63 


" 


Dec. 14, '63 


" 


Dec.14,'63 


Woodstock 


Dec. 21, '63 


Thompson 


Jan. 4, '64 


Plainfield 


Sept. 9, '64 


Thompson 


Jan. 4, '64 


Norwich 


F"eb.29,'64 ] 


East ford 


Dec. 10, '63 : 


Stoniiigton 


Aug. 9,'64 


^Voodstock 


Jan. 29, '64 


New LondonSept.10,'63 


Hampton 


Feb. 25, '64 


" 


Aug. I S, '64 


I'ranklin 


Aug. 5,'64 




Apr. 16, '63 


Tliompson 


Apr. 13, '64 : 




Apr. 1 6, '63 ; 


Groton 


Feb. 25, '64 \ 


Waterbury 


Jan. 17, '65 



AL O. June 27, '65, Harper's F"y. 

" 27, '65, 
Trans, to V. R. C, May 7, 1865. 
M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's F'y. 

" 27,'6s, 

" 27,'6s, 

" 27,'65, 

" 27, '65, 

" 27, '65, 
Wd. and captured June 5, 64. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
Died Oct. 1 1,'64, Florence, S. C. 
Deserted November 14, 1864. 
Disch. disab. Aug. i8,'65, N. H. 
M. O. June 2 7, '65, Harper's F'y. 

" 27, '65, 

" 27, '65, 

" 27,'65, 
Deserted September i, 1863. 
M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
Deserted September i, 1863. 
Deserted November 14, 1864. 
KL O. June 27/65, Harper's F'y. 



COMPANY E. 



Clark, Albert A. Bozrah Dec. 7, '63 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

Clark, Henry G. Wethersfield Oct. 4,'64 " " 27, '65, 

Fogtmau, John Colchester Jan. 4, '64 Disch. disab. May 27, 1S65. 

Lewis, Horatio H. Columbia April 9,'63 M.O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

McKenna, Tole Woodstock Sept. 28, '64 Deserted. 

Martin James F. Middletown Nov.26,'64 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

Palmer, Frank J. Colchester Jan. 4, '64 Disch. dis. Nov. i,'64, N. H. 
Snow, Hiram " Dec.22, '63 " " March 25, 1865. 

Simson, William Saybrook Nov.22,'64 Deserted January 6, 1865. 

Wallace, Michael Canterbury Sept. 27, '64 Deserted. 

* Substitute or drafted. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 



425 



COM r ANY F. 



Avery, Northam F. I). 
Edwards, Thomas I.. 
Edwards, .Mfred 
McMahon, Thomas 
Miner, Sylvester P. 
McC.rath, John 
Malioney, Dennis 1). 
Martin, James W. 
Nugent, James 
Palmer, Orrin \ . 
Rath, Ferdinand 
Smith, Samuel J. 
Sweet, James L, 
Tongh, George E. 
' West, Albert K. 
*Willianis, Robert 
*VVhite, James W. 



Rrsuk-licc. 


Dafp iruslc 


■r. 


East Haven 


Dec. 


2, 


'f'4 


Montville 


Jan. 


4. 


•64 


" 


Jan. 


4, 


•64 


Norwich 


Nov. 


iG, 


.'63 


Rozrah 


Jan. 


2, 


'64 


Norwich 


Jan. 


6, 


•64 


Colchester 


fan. 


5. 


■64 


Ledyard 


Apr. 


7. 


,'('4 


Colchester 


Jan. 


.S' 


•64 


Norwich 


Jan. 


14> 


•64 


Essex 


Jan. 


8, 


•64 




Jan. 


- 1, 


'63 


Norwicli 


Jan. 


8, 


•'''4 


Hartford 


Dec. 


21, 


'63 


Preston 


Dec. 


29. 


,•63 


Pom fret 


Sept, 


■ 3 


,•64 


Preston 


Sept. 


, 6, 


'64 



M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y- 

;■ " •• 27/65, '• " 

Disch. disability, Feb. 13, 1865. 
Killed June 5, '64, Piedmont, \'a. 
Captured June 11, 1S64. 
Deserted November 13, 1864. 
M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

" " 27,6'5, " " 

" " 27,-65, " " 

" " 27/65, ■■ '■ 

Deserted May 29, i8''i4. 

Disch. disability, March 25, '65. 

M. ( ). June 27,-65, Harper's F'y. 
" " 27,'6s, " " 

Deserted November 13, 1864. 

M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 



COMPANY G. 



liowen, David A. 
Browning, James 
Hibbard, Henry W. 
Hiscox, Albert 
Henry, Charles E. 
Lake, Thomas A. 
Mark, Louis 
Navin, Patrick 
Smith, Abner P. 
Smith, Abner 
Smith, Theodore 
Stuart, David 
Underwood, Charles 
Weeks, Francis E. 

* Substitute or drafted. 



\\'oodstock 


Dec. 


3°,' 


Greewich 


Feb. 


I,' 


Woodstock 


Jan. 


4,'' 


Union 


Jan. 


28,' 


on rolls 


Feb. 


28,'' 


Woodstock 


Dec. 


16,' 


Bridgeport 


Jan. 


18,' 


Putnam 


Nov, 


■ ^'', 


Woodstock 


Dec. 


21,' 


Stonington 


Jan. 


4," 


Salisbury 


Jan. 


25.' 


" 


Jan. 


28,' 


. Windham 


Dec. 


8,' 


Union 


Feb. 


25.' 



63 Deserted November 14, 1864. 
65 " April 12, 1865. 

'64 M. (). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 

" 27/65, 
'65 'J'rans. 2d C:.V. Art. !\Lir. 7, '63. 
63 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y, 
'64 " " 27, '65, 

63 Deserted June 15, 1865. 
'63 ^L O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
'64 Dis. Oct. 17, '64, on furlough. 
'65 M. ( ). June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
'65 " '■ 27, '65, 
'63 Deserted May 17, 1865. 
'64 M.O.Aug. i,'65, Wasliington. 



426 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



COM PAN V II. 



Abbe, Joseph 
Brown, James K. 
Brady, Laughlin 
Chappell, Cortland G 
Hayes, George S. 
Harris, Elijah F. 
Kaiser, Matthias 
Miller, William H. 
Spencer, Thomas I). 
Wilson, Jared F. 



Wolcott Mar.22,'64 M. (). May 3o,'65, Hartford 

Windham I)ec.io,'f>3 " June 27, '65, Harper's 

" Jan. 5, '''4 Died July 28, '64, on furlouj 

Dec. 10, '63 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's 

Dec. I, '62 Died Oc. 27'63, Martinsburg, 

Jan. 5, '63 iM. O. June 27, '65, Harper's 



Ct. 

F'y. 
;h. 

F'y. 
,Va. 
F'y. 



So.Co\entry Feb. 23, '64 " " 27, '65, " " 

Mayi3/63 Deserted August 27, iS^j. 

Windham Dec. 14, '63 M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
Dec, 10, '(^"j " " 27. '65, 



COMPANY T. 



Bugbee, Henry S, 


Hamden 


I)ec.28, 


•f'3 


Buchanan, John M. 


Thompson 


Jan. 4. 


•fM 


Donahue, John 


Sprague 


Jan. 5, 


•(^4 


Foster, Charles 


Norwich 


Jan, iS, 


■^M 


Glasgow, John 




Nov. 30, 


'62 


Grant, Albert F. 


Mansfield 


Dec. 3., 


■63 


Harbison, \Villiani C. 


Killingly 


Sep. IS, 


•62 


Holmes, Asa J,. 


Lebanon 


Jan. 2, 


•'M 


*Haskell, Albert L. 


New LondonJune2S, 


•^^4 


King, Andrus H. 


Woodstock 


Sep. 24, 


'62 


Keigwin, Daniel 


Norwich 


Dec.19, 


'65 


Kenyon, Leander A. 


Canterbury 


Sep. 27, 


•^M 


McShean, Owen, 


Killingly 


Oct. 7, 


'(^2 


Quigley, Patrick J. 


A\'oodst()ck 


Sep. 28, 


'^'4 


Richardson, Charles H. 


Killingly 


Oct. 9, 


,'f'2 


Robinson, Franklin E. 


Mansfield 


Dec. 3 1, 


■63 


Tucker, James 


E. Windsor 


Dec.30, 


^63 


Town, Franklin 


Thompscn 


Jan. 4, 


;fi4 


Taylor, John E. 


E. Windsor 


Dec.30, 


.•f'3 


Weaver, Joseph 


Sprague 


Dec. I, 


•63 


Waite, Prescott 


Mansfield 


Dec.31, 


,'63 


Vannon, Christian J. 


Pomfret 


Oct. 28, 


;62 



Deserted November 11, 1864. 

.M. ( ). )une 27, '65, Harper's F'y- 
" " 27, '65, 

" " 27/65, " " 

Deserted January 23, 18G3. 

M. f ). June 19, '65, Baliio, Md. 

'I'r. Inv. C. M. < ). Sep. 14, '''5. 

M. ( ). lune 27, "65, Harper's F'y. 
" ■ • 27;6s, " " 

Discharged May 30, 1865. 

M. ( >. June 27, '65, Harper's F'v. 
■■ " 27,-63, " "■ 

'■ " 27,'6s, " " 

" " 27,'65, •• ■■ 

" " 27,'6s. " " 

Deserted November 11, 1864. 

M. O. June 27, '65, Harper's F'y. 
" ■ " 27,-65, •• " 

" " 27,'65. " " 

" 27.-65, 

Tr. ist U.S.V. M. O. Oct. 20,'65 

Deserted October 28, 1863. 



CONNECTICUT VOL UN TERRS. 



427 





COA 

Kfsiitencc. 


tPAN V K. 






Name ami Knuk. 


I>ato Musti-r. 


Kcniarks. 


]^.ikcr, Henry E. 


Killingly 


Feb. 29 ''''4 


.M.O. 


|une 27, '65, Har|)er'> F"y 


J?;iker, William C. 




Feb. 29,'64 


" 


" 27,'6s, " " 


Cooper, George P. 


" 


F)ec. i7,'63 


" 


" 27, '''•s, 


Cole, Thomas W. 


I'utnam 


Feb. 2sM 


" 


" 27;65, •• •' 


Ceer, Nelson 


Killingly 


Jan. 4, '64 




" 27,''55. '• '• 


Hall. George F. 


Plainfield 


Feb. 4,'64 


" 


•■ 27,'65, " " 


Hyde, William J. 




i\tar.,?i,'64 




'• 27,'65, •• " 


Hopkins, Michael 




Oct. 4, '64 




" 27,'65. " '■ 


Lalhrop, David D. 


ISrooklyn 


.\pr. io,'f>;? 


Disch 


arged, disability, july6,'^'5 


Locke, George H. 


Killingly 


Jan. 4, '64 


M. ( ). 


|une 27, '6:;, Harper's F'y 


Potter, Rouse 




Feb 2 9,'^>4 


" 


■ '■ 27;65, '• " 


Robljins, Thomas J. 


" 


I'ec.17,'63 


" 


•• 27.'fi5, " " 


Randall, Henry F.' 


" 


Dec. 29, '63 


" 


" 27,'65, 


Shepardson, Albert F. 


Plainfield 


Feb. 4,'64 


" 


" 27,'6s, " " 


Short, Linus E. 


Killingly 


Feb.29,'64 


Died Sept. 7, '64, Andersonville 


Stewart, Charles 


Montville 


Mar. 7, '64 


M.O. 


June 27, '65, Harper's F'y 


'I'aylor, James A. 


Plainfield 


Dec.i \,'(>T, 




" •• 27,'65. " " 


W^ade, Otis S. 


Killingly 


Dec. I 7, -63 




•• 27.'65. " " 



428 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



UNASSIGNEU RHCRUITS. 



Name aud Kauk. 

Avery, George F. 
Brady, Charles 
liaker, Arthur C. 
Brown, Charles 
Brady, Edward 
Clark, Warren A. 
C'oilins, Daniel 
Coleman, John T. 
Clancy, John J. 
Crowley, Frank 
Clark, Oliver 
('larey, Michael 
Daggett, Henry A. 
Ellis, Thomas S. 
Eaton, Thomas 
F'inner, Thomas 
Creene, Lafayette 
Harrington, Parley 
Littlefield, tieorge T. 
Leonard, Charles 
Loonun, John 
Marsh, George W. 
Neuergert, John 
Noble, John 
O'Neal, Timothy 
Owen, James 
Roberts, Orrin 
Ryan, Patrick 
Shay, Jeremiah 
Sweet, James L. 
Stewart, William J. 
Shepard, George \\ . 
Townsend, Charles 
Warren, Charles A. 
Woods, Patrick 
West, Charles W. 
Williams, George 
Yarrington, Henry 



ntpi.liucc Liati- Mustr 

I'reston ^ Feb. 27, 
Salisbury Mar. 19, 
Sterling May 25, 

May 25, 
Phiintield Oct. 18, 
Milford Dec. 9, 

Sterling May 5, 

Granby July 29, 

July 29, 
Salem Sep. 3, 

Washington Nov. 15, 
Saybrook Nov.22, 

Oct. 9, 
Norwich Mar. 23, 
Portland INLir.i;, 
Hartford Jan, 8, 
Preston Se]). j, 

liozrah Dec. 25, 

Montville Jan. 18, 
Portland I\Lar. 17, 
Stonington Feb. 3, 
N. Canaan Dec. 16, 
Canton Dec. 5,' 

Lyme Mar. 7, 

Granby July 29, 

C'olchester Dec. 13, 
Middletown Apr. 3,' 
Berlin July 29,' 

Sep. 29, 
Norwich Dec. 31, 
Salisbury Mar. 19, 
Preston Sep. 3, 

Sterling A]jr.2i, 
Woodstock Sep. 14, 
Bridgewater Sep. 17, 
Middletown Dec. 16, 
Stonington F'eb. 3,' 
Preston .Vpr. 7, 



,"'''4 


Died March 7, '64, 


, West H 


aven. 


,•64 


F'ord. Apr: 


il 7,-64. 


Not on 


roll. 


,'64 


" June 


28,'64. 


•' 




,•64 


" *' 


2, '64. 


" 


" 


,•64 


Dis. Nov, 


i8,'64, 


draft ren 


d. 


/63 


Ford. Dec, 


i6,'64. 


Not on 


roll. 


,■64 


June 


2,'64. 






,'64 


" Sep. 


17/64. 


" 


" 


,'64 




17/64. 


" 


" 


.,■64 


" " 


17/64. 


" 




,'64 


Deserted Nov. 18 


, 1864. 




,•64 


Ford. Jan. 


29/65- 


Not on 


roll. 


,'62 


Deserted Oct. 22, 


1862. 




,'63 


J 


une 19, 


.863, 




,■64 


Ford. -Vpr. 


7/64. 


Not on roll. 


.,•64 


Deserted 


|an. 17, 


1864. 




,•64 


Dis. Nov. 


i8,'64, 


draft ren 


d. 


,'63 


Not taken 


up on roll Dec. 3 


;.,'64 


M 


Deserted March : 


:8, 1864. 




,'64 


F'ord. .-Xpr. 


7/64. 


Not on roll. 


■'65 


Deserted < 


•// route. 






,'64 


Ford. Dec 


■ 30/64- 


Not on 


roll. 


'63 


Not taken 


up on roll Dec. 3 


I, '64. 


,■64 


Ford. Dec 


. 7/64. 


Not on 1 


•oil. 


,'64 


" Sep. ] 


7/64- 






.■64 


" Dec. , 


3o,'64. 


" 




'63 


Deserted April 23 


, 1863. 




■64 


Ford. Sep. 


17/64- 


Not on 1 


roll. 


,'62 


Deserted Oct. 10, 


1S62. 




,'63 


" 


Tan. 14, 


1864. 




,•64 


Ford. Apr 


il 7/64- 


Not on 


roll. 


,•64 


" Sep. 1 


7/64- 






,•64 


" June 


2, '64. 


" 


" 


,'64 


Dis. Oct. 5 


!,'64, draft rend. 




,'64 


Ford. Sep. 


. 26, '64. 


Not on 


roll. 


,■64 


Dis. Tan. i 


5, '65, draft rend 




•65 


Deserted en rout. 






,'63 


Dis. April 


i3/63> 


F't. Trumbull. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 429 



chanctHs and promotions 

IN 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



Name and Rank. liesidence. Dati- Mu.'itir. Kcmaiks. 

Colonel. 

William C'r. Ely, Norwich Ji]ly24,'62 Dis. Sep. 18/64. Pr.Bvt. Brig. Gen. 

Lieut. Colonels. 

Monroe Nichols, Tliompson Aug.18,'62 Resigned .\pril 26, 1864. 

Henry I'eale, Norwich Se]).24,'64 M. O. June 27, iS6^. 

^lajoi s. 

Monroe, Nichols, 'I'hoinpson .\iig.i8,'62 Prom. Lt. ("ol. .\iig. iS, 1862. 

Ephraini Keech, Jr, Rillingly Aug.18,'62 Hon. dis. May 20, 1865. 

Henry Peale, Norwich May20,'63 Prom. Lt. Col. Seji. 24, 1864. 

Josejih Mathewson, Ponifret Oct. 3, '64 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

Adjutants. 

Edward L. Porter, New LondonAug. 4, '62 Prom. Capt. May 20, 1863. 

E. Benjamin Culver, Norwich May26,'63 Killed in action June 5, 1864. 

Joseph P. Rockwell, " Jun. 5, '64 Prom. Capt. Oct. 17, 1864. 

C".eorge W. Brady, " Oct. 17, '64 M. O. June 27, '65. 

Quarter-Masters. 

Dwight W. Hakes, Norwich Aug. 4, '62 Uis. for |)roni. .\pril 13, 1865. 

Noadiah P. )ohnson, Thompson Jun. 22, '65 M. O. (as ist 1,1.) fiinc 27, '65. 

Chaplains. 

Varnum .\. Cooper, New London.-\ug.27,'62 Resigned Mar. 4, 1863. 

^Villian1 C. \VaIker, Putnam Jan. 19, '64 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

Surgeons. 

Charles M. Carleton, Norwich Aug. 6, '62 Hon. P)is. .April 17, 1863. 

Lowell Holbrook, Thompson Apr.23,'63 1\L O. June 27, 1865. 

1st Asst. Surgeon. 

Josiah V. Harrington Sterling Aug. 1 1/62 Died Dec. i, 1864. 



430 EIGHTEENTH REGIMEN! 



Name .-iiiil Hunk. liosiilelKC. Diitc Muster. Ucmaiks. 

2(1 Ass/. Sun^coiis. 

Hunry W. Hougli, Putnam Siii).20,'62 Kesignt-d iMarch 6, iS6;. 

William 1!. North, New ISritain Mar. 20, '63 Resigned May 9, 1S64. 

C'harles H. Kowe, l''armington .Se|). 2/64 M. ( ). June 27, 1865. 

Caplaiiis. 

Henry C. Davis, Norwich Aug. S,'62 Hon. dis. April 25, 1865. 

Thomas K. Bates, lirooklyn Aug. 8, '62 Res. for disability Nov. 17, "63 

Isaac H. Bromley, Norwich Aug. 8,'62 Hon. dis. Mar. 31, 1863. 

Monroe Nichols, 'I'hompson Aug. 8, '62 Prom. Major .Aug. uS, 1862. 

Isaac W. Hakes, Jr., Norwic h Aug. 8, '62 Resigned Dec. 26, 1862. 

Henry Peale, " .\ug. 8, '62 Prom. Major May 20, 1863. 

George W. Warner, \Voodstock .Aug. 8, '62 Hon. dis. Oct. 4, 1864. 

Charles D. Bowen, Willimantic Aug. 8,'62 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

.Samuel R. Knapp, Norwich Aug. S,'62 Resigned June 6, 1863. 

Ephriam Keech, Jr., Killingly Aug. 8, '62 Prom. Major Aug. 18, 1862. 

Joseph Mathewson, Pomfrel Aug.18,'62 " " Oct. 3, 1864. 

Ezra J. Mathewson, Killingly Aug.18,'62 M. O. June 27, 1S65. 

Frederick A. Palmer, Norwich Dec. 26, '62 Dis. May 28, 1864. 

Edward L. Porter, New LondonMay2o,'63 Killed in action June 15, 1863. 

John E. Woodward, Preston Oct. 10, '63 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

John H. Morrison, Norwich Oct. 19, '63 Dismissed Sep. i, 1864. 

William L. Spalding, Eastford Nov. 30, '63 Killed in action May 15, 1864. 

Israel N. Kibbie, Putnam .■\ug.i2,'64 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

Martin V. B. 'J'iffany, Norwich .Aug. 12, '64 " " 27, " 

Noadiah P. Johnson, 'I'liomiison Oct. 17, '64 Declined commission. 

John Lilley, Norwich ( )ct. 17, '64 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

Joseph P. Rockwell, " (Jet. 17, '64 " " 27, " 

Horatio Blanchard, Killingly Jan. 30, '63 " " 27, " 

Samuel T. C. Merwin, Norwich Jun.22,'65 " (as ist Lt.) June 27, '65. 

Franklin B. Bixby, Thoui])son Jun.22,'65 ' " " " 27, '65. 

/sf Lieutenants. 

Adam H. Lindsay, Norwich Aug. 8, '62 Hon. dis. .Apr. 17, 1865. 

Horatio Blanchard, Killingly .\ug. 8, '62 Prom. Oapt. Jan. 30, 1865. 

Samuel 'P. C. Merwin, Norwich .Aug. 8, '62 " " June 22, 1865. 

Joseph Mathewson, Pomfret .\ug. 8, '62 " " Aug. 18, 1862. 

Frederick A. Palmer, Norwich .Vug. 8, '62 " " Dec. 26, 1862. 

John E. Woodward, Preston Aug. 8, '62 " " Oct. 10, 1862. 

Israel N. Kibbie, Putnam Aug. 8, '62 " '' Aug. 12, 1864. 

James F. Long, Willimantic -Aug. 8, '62 Resigned Nov. 9, 1862. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. . 431 



Name ami Rank. RcBidrnrc-. Dale truster. Kciiiarlis. 

lolinll. Morrison, Norwich Aug. S,'6j Prom. Caiit. Oct. 19, 1863. 

I'>.ra J. Mathewson, Killingly Aug. 8/62 " " Aug. 18, 1S62. 

William L. Spalding, Eastford Aug. 18, '62 " " Nov. 30, 1863. 

(leorge Kies, Killingly Aug. 18, '62 M. O. June 27, 1865. 

Andrew Loomis, Tolland Nov. 9, '62 " " 27, 1865. 

lohn T. Maginnis, Salem Dec. 26, '62 Killed in action June 5, 1864. 

Henry l-'. Cowles, Noruicli Oct. 10, '63 Hon. dis. May 15, 1865. 

Martin V. B. Tiffany, " Oct. 19, '63 Prom. Capt. Aug. 12, 1S64. 

Noadiah Johnson, 'I'hompson No\.3o,'64 " (^uar- Master June 22, '65. 

John Lilley, Norwich Jun. 5, '64 " Ca))t. Oct. 17, 1864. 

l-'.dward S. Hincklew Lebanon Aiig.i:,Vi4 M. ( ). Juiu- 27, 1865. 

Albert S. Clranger, Putnam ( )( t. 8, '(14 " " 27, 1865. 

Franklin B. Bi.\by, 'I'hompson (tct. 17, '04 Prom. (.'apt. June 22, 1865. 

William Caruthers, Norwich Jan. 7, '65 M. ( ). Jime 27, 1865. 

John .X. Francis, " Jan. 30, '65 " "' 27, 1865. 

Robert Kerr, " Jun. 22, '65 " (as 2d i.t.) June 27, '65. 

2t/ l.'uiifciiaiili. 

James I). Higgins, Norwich Aug. 8, '62 Hon. dis. Oct. 27, 1864. 

Fzra I). Carpenter, Putnam Aug. 8, '62 M. < ). June 27, i8(]5. 

Henry 1''. ("owles, Norwich .Aug. 8, '62 Prom, isl Lt. Oct. 10. 1803. 

William L. Spalding, Eastford .\ug. 8, '62 " " .\ug. 18, 1862. 

John T. Maginnis, Salem Aug. 8, '62 " " Dec. 26, 1862. 

|ohn \. Francis, Norwicli Aug. .S,V)2 " " Jan. 30, 1S65. 

Luther Iv Kawson, Woodstock Aug. 8, '62 Resigned Dec. 22, 1.S62. 

.\ndrew W. Loomis, 'i'olland Aug. 8. '62 Prom, ist Lt. Now 9, 1862. 

Martin \. P. Liffany, Norwich Aug. 8, '62 " " Oct. r9, 1S63. 

Cleorge Kies, Killingl}' Aug. 8, '62 " " Aug. 18, 1862. 

Noadiah P. [ohnson, rhom])Son .Aug. 18, '62 " " Nov. 3c, 1863. 

.Asahel (L Scranton. Killingly -Aug. 18/62 ^L O. June 27, 1865. 

William H. Locke, Windham Nov. 9, '62 Hon. Dis. May 15, 1865. 

Joseph P. Rockwell, Norwich Dec. 22, '62 Prom. .Vdjt. June 5, 18C4. 

Francis McKeag, " Dec.26,'62 M. ( ). June 27, 1865. 

Andrew \\'ashburn, Lebanon ( )ct. 10, '63 Dis. (as Sgt.) Feb. 24, 1S64. 

John Lilley, Norwich Oct. 19, '63 Prom, ist Lt. June 5, 1864. 

Franklin I!. Bi.xljy, Thom])Pon Nov. 30, '63 " " ( )ct. 17, 1S64. 

Edward S. Hinckley, Lebanon Apr. 12, '64 " " .\ug. 12, 1864. 

Robert Kerr, Norwich Jun. 5,Vj4 " " June 22, 1865. 

*William Caruthers, " Jun. I2Y)3 " " Jan. 7, 1865. 

Charles A. Murray, '■ Jan. 30, '65 M. ( ). June 27, 1S65. 

*Recommeuded for promotion. 



432 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



CHANGHS AND PROMOTIONS 

IN 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICHRS 



STAFF. 

Sergt-Major, George E. Comins. I'romoted from corporal. 

Q. M. Sergeant, Albert H. Pitcher. Promoted from private. 

Com. Sergeant, Timothy Parker. Pruinoted from private. 

Drum Major, Albert Pray. 

Fife Major, Jiidson M. Gager. 

Wagon-master, H. M. Durfey. Promoted from private. 

COMPANY A. 

ist Sergeant, Samuel j. Lee. Promoted from sergeant, 

-d " George C. Setchel. I'romoted from corporal. 

4th " John Chalmers. Promoted from private. 

Stli " Benjamin F. Ja(pies. Promoted from corporal. 

3d Corporal, John ^V. .Martin. Promoted from private. 

4th " John Laird. I'romoted fiom private. 

5t'i " Milan \V. Adams. I'romoted from private, 

f'tii " Horace U. Sherman. Promoted from private. 

7th " John Service. ProiiKited from private. 

COMPAiXY B. 

1st Sergeant, Thomas M. Day. Promoted from corjioral. 

3d " Laurens Card. Promoted from corporal. 

4''i " William .\. Trask. Promoted from private. 

5t'i " Harrison O. Bemish Promoted from private. 

I St Corporal, Frederick M. Freeman. Promoted from private, 

^d " John \V. Randall. Promoted from private. 

3d " James H. Sawyer. Promoted from private. 

4ih ■ William H. Ward. Promoted from private. 

Sth " Sidney M. Brewster. Promoted from private, 

^th " Charles E. Olney. Promoted from private. 

7lh " Calvin H. Richmond. Promoted from private. 

Sth " Smith E. Randall. Promoted from private. 



CONNE C TIC U T VOL UN TEERS. 





COMPANY C. 


isl Sergeant. 


. Edwin S. Fitch. 


Promoted from private. 


2d 


Frederick L. Sper.cer. 


Promoted from private. 


3d 


Charles C. Chappell. 


Promoted from private. 


4th 


William H. H. Ellis. 


Promoted from private. 


5tli 


Restcome Peckham. 


Promoted from corporal. 


ist Corporal, 


George W. Cross. 


Promoted from private. 


2d 


Abisha P. Durfee. 


Promoted from private. 


3d 


Thomas J. Lumis. 


Promoted from private. 


4th ■• 


Charles H. Lynch. 


Promoted from private. 


jth 


Joseph B. Green. 


Promoted from private. 


6th 


Adam Kraus. 


Promoted from private. 


7th 


Charles M. Avery. 


Promoted from private. 


Sth 


Lemuel A. Manning. 


Promoted from private. 



COMPAjW d. 

ist Sergeant, Joseph E. Marcy. Promoted from sergeant. 

3d ■' George ^\'. Phettejilace. Promoted from corporal. 

Promoted from corporal. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 

Promoted from private. 



4th " William J. Arnold. 

5th " Henry C. Torrey. 
ist Corporal, Edwin Sharpe. 

2d " John N. Perrin. 

3d " John W. Clapp. 

4th " Joseph W. Heath. 

5th " Thomas W. Grow. 

6th " George T. Seaver. 

7th " William Lynch. 

Sth •■ Abial A. Miller. 



COMPANY E. 



I St Sergeant, Anthony Staubly. 
4th " James McKee. 

5th " Hylon N. Perry. 

4th Corporal, Nelson R. Allen. 
5th " John Weller. 

6th " Albert I\L Lathrop. 

7 th " George Crawford. 

Sth •• William P. Clark. 



Promoted from sergeant. 
Promoted from corporal. 
Promoted from corporal. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 



434 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



COMPANY F. 

ist Sergeant, Richard Trinnier. Promoted from 

3d " William H. Webb. Promoted from 

4th " Henry Appleton. Promoted from 

ist Corporal, Daniel B. Church. Promoted from 

3d " Charles F. Thiirber. Promoted from 

4th " Samuel D. Billings. Promoted from 

5th " Levi P. Nickolson. Promjted from 

6th " Edwin Kenyon. Promoted from 

7th " William L. Davis. Promoted from 

8ih " Frank E. Murphy. Promoted from 



private. 

corporal, 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 



COMPANY G. 



1st Sergeant, lidward T. Warner. 



2d 

3d 

4th 

1st Corporal 

2d 

4th 

51I1 ■• 

6th 

7th " 



Joseph E. Rawson. 
Lucian H. Medbury. 
Prescott J. Randall. 
Benjamin P. Weeks. 
Willis G. Howard. 
Lowell Wilco.x. 
Tracy Rogers. 
Lawrence F. (ileason. 
Charles Burrows. 



Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 
Promoted from 



sergeant. 

corporal. 

corporal. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 

private. 



1st Sergeant, (jeorge E. Jordon. 

4th " Sanford A. Comins. 

5th " William H. Boyden 

3d Corporal, Moses Buchanan. 

4th " Joseph Watts. 

5(h " Eben R. Eaton. 

6th " Elsvvorlh W. Bingham. Promoted from private 

7th " Job Metcalf Promoted from private 

8th " Frank S. Harrington. Promoted from private 



COMPANY. H. 

Promoted from sergeant. 
Promoted from corporal. 
Promoted from corporal. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 



1st Sergeant, Bently Shaw. 
2d " William Finken. 

3d " George Cogswell. 

4th " James G. Spencer 

5th " Cl~.arles Derby. 



COMPANY I. 

Promoted from sergeant. 
Promoted from corporal. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from private. 
Promoted from corporal. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 435 



3d Corporal, Levi C. Bliss. Promoted from private. 

4th " Hugh McEwen. Promoted from private. 

q|th " Andrew Dean. Promoted from private. 

6tli " William Hall. Promoted from private. 

7th " Charles Foster. Promfjted from private. 



COMPANY K. 

3d Sergeant, Joseph 1). Unli. Promoted from corporal. 

4th " Alonzo B. Potter. Promoted from corporal. 

5th " James L. .\dams. Promoted from corporal, 

ist Cor]3oral, Charles K. Griffiths. Promoted from private. 

2d " Roland R. James. Promoted from private. 

3d ■■ Almond Bartlett. Promoted from private. 

4th " \Vil!iam A. Taylor. Promoted from private, 

cth " Frank A. Chase. Promoted from private. 



436 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



RFXAPITULATION. 



The muster rolU of the regiment bt.u- the names of 1,170 officers and enlist- 
ed men. 

The regiment participated in the tolhiwing battles and skirmishes : 
Winchester, Va., June 13 and 14, 1863. 
SLimmit's Point and Carter's Farm, Va., June 15, 1S63. 
New Market, Va., May 15, 1864. 
Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864. 
Lynchburg, Va., June 18, 1864. 
Snicker's Ford, Va.. July 18, 1864. 
Kearnstown and Winchester, Va., July 24, 1864. 
Cedar Creek, Va., Aug. 12, 1864. 
Berryville, Va., Sept. 3, 1864. 
Harrisonburg, Va., June 3, 1864. 
Lexington, Va., June 11, 1864. 
Buchanan, Va., June 14, 1864. 
Liberty, Va., June r6, 1864. 
Quaker Church, Va., June 17, 1864. 
Salem, Va., June 21, 1864. 
Hedgesville, Va., July 10, 1864. 
Kearnstown, Va., July 23, 1864. 
Martinsburg, Va., July 25, 1865. 

Stoney Point and Middletown, Va.. .Aug. 11 and 12, 1864. 
Hupp's Hill, Va., Aug. 13, 1864, 
Opequon, Va., .Aug. 21, 1864. 
Halltown and Charlcstown, Va,, .\ug. 22 to 26, 1864. 



SS 
246 



Casu.alties. 

Killed, 

Wounded, ■■..... 

Died of wounds while prisoners, 13 

Died of disease while prisoners, 27 

Died of wounds and disease, 50 

Discharged prior to mustering out of regiment, • 323 

Missing at mustering out of regiment, . 12 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 437 



ERRATA 



Page 14,5. Should read Color Sers^/. Geo. Torrey, Co. B. 

Page 148, Should read Vppervilk, instead of Pepperville. 

Page 151. Sergt. Caruthers should read 2d Ll.,7vho had bi-cn rt'coiniiiciided for 
promotion June T2, and acting as such with Co. //, when wounded fiine / /, rS6j. 
Lt. McGinnis should read Maginnis. 

Page T76. Should read Sutler, instead of Suiter. 

Page 296. Should read Burkittsville, not Banksville. 

Pages 297 and 29S. Should read Wolfsburg, instead of Wolfsville. 



438 EIGHTEENTH REGIMEN! 



APPENDIX. 



The followint. Account of the Defencf, and Cai'Ture at Winchester is partly 

TAKEN FROM GEN. O. O. HoWARD's " REMINISCENCES OF THE WAR." 

In the soberer judgment and temper of twenty years after the war, not only 
has the storm of sectional passions and prejudice nearly spent its bitter fury, 
but, also, in a large degree in our military record has truth been sifted of error, 
misconception or misrepresentation given place to accurate appreciation, and 
many an act that was strange at the time, with the seal of popular condemnation, 
is now justified — even lauded — as eminently wise and patriotic. 

A notable example of the fallibility, often injustice of hasty judgment, is af- 
forded in the case of General Milroy, who commanded the division of the Union 
army operating in the Shenandoah Valley prior to Gen. Lee's invasion of Penn- 
sylvania, and who has been severely criticised for allowing himself to be sur- 
prised by the Rebel general, Kwell, in command of a portion of the invading 
forces. Recent dispassionate e.xamination of the situation in Virginia at that 
critical period in the rebellion proves conclusively that Gen. Milroy could not 
reasonably have foreseen the Rebel advance into the Valley ; that he was act- 
ing by orders from the commander of the Army of the Potomac, who was to no- 
tify him of any formidable movement in his quarter on the part of the Confed- 
erates.; that his force was numerically inadequate to cope with such a movement, 
and that the blame of his discomfiture, if blame there was, must rest on other 
shoulders than his. It is always easy to discern and interpret the shadow of a 
coming event after that event has become a part of history. The fact is in this 
case, that Lee's first movements in his north-west march in 1863 was totally mis- 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 439 



appreliended by the Union comniap.ders. 'I'here were several courses that he 
might follow in his anticipated offensive movement. He might simply turn the 
right of the Union army, or he might cross the Shenandoah with his army, 
drawing the Union forces to a selected battle ground, defeat them, and advance 
toward Maryland and Virginia ; or, he might do what he really did do, send a 
corps under co\cr of his liglit infantry to make feints here and there on the 
Union front, and by thus deceiving the enemy with a show of force, enable the 
rest of his army to slip across the Shenandoah River, rapidly advance against 
Gen. Milroy's little command, surprise and destroy it, and thence push north- 
west before the Army of the Potomac had lairly apprehended his purpose. 

The Rebel commander's wily policy was entirely successful. On the tenth of 
June the old Stonewall Jackson corps, now under command of Gen. Ewell, was 
on its march for the Valley. The situation of the Union forces at this time may 
be briefly noted : Gen. Milroy, who was of the department which had its head- 
quarters at Baltimore, under Gen. Schenck, was stationed with about 7,000 men 
at Winchester ; and west of him, at Harper's Ferry, was Gen. Tyler, of the same 
department, with between 9,000 and 10,000 men ; Hooker was to cover Wash- 
ington and Harper's Ferry, and yet the troops at and beyond the last named 
station were not under his command. Gen. Schenck was in the mountains, guard- 
ing the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and whose supplementary duty it was to 
prevent an invasion of Maryland It would be difficult to imagine any disposi- 
tion of the Northern army that would have been more scattered, or that would 
have been more satisfactory to the Rebel commander. All circumstances seemed 
conjoined to deceive Gen. Milroy, and facilitate his destruction. For months 
the Rebel Jenkin's cavalry brigade had been giving his little army ])lenty of 
lively work up and down the Valley, cutting telegraph wires, destroying railroad 
crossings, and capturing adventurers, officers and stragglers. This force, which 
was still operating in front, was at once attached to Gen. Ewell's column as 
scouts, skirmishers and flankers, and afforded an excellent cover for the Confed- 
erate advance. What more natural than that Gen. Milroy should credit a hos- 
tile demonstration before any part of his lines to the restless operations of this 
turbulent cavalry, particularly as Gen. Milroy received no intimation from head- 
quarters to expect an organized Rebel advance.' The Confederate general, Im- 
boden, was already in the mountains to strike a blow at Schenck, and to cut the 
Baltimore cV Ohio Railroad west of Winchester, and thus prevent that general 
from moving any of his troops to the assistance of either Milroy or Tyler. Thus 
is clearly apparent the trap that was swiftly closing around Gen. Milroy and his 
command. To render his situation still more desperate, the country roundabout 
was intensely Rebel in its sympathy, and men and women vied with each other 
in carrying accurate information concerning the Federal forces to the Confeder- 
ate general. The result was, that Ewell's army was enabled to approach even to 



440 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



the outposts without exciting Gen. Milroy's suspicions; and it was not until after 
the initial collision between the opposing forces that the Union commander was 
apprized that"he had to do with other than marauding bands of Jenkin's cavalry. 
The surprise was complete, and it is a matter for no small wonder that Gen. 
Milroy, with his small command, was able to hold the Rebel column in check 
during'three days of desperate fighting — a delay in the Rebel advance that ma- 
terially interfered with the complete success of their plans. This fact is unde- 
niably a splendid attestation of the military capabilities of Gen. Milroy, as well 
as those of his brave and able lieutenants. Gen. Elliot and Col. Ely in command 
of brigades, who contested every inch of ground as they fell back before an 
overwhelming enemy. Later and impartial history has not only cleared away 
whatever of doubt had been thrown around Gen. Milroy's fame as a soldier and 
a patriot, but has stamped his military record in the Shenandoah Valley and at 
Winchester as that of a wise, loyal and able commander. 

The story of Winchester and its results has already been related, and it is not 
necessary to repeat it. Though the immediate wager of battle was overwhelm- 
ingly with the Rebel commander, the indirect results, as has been urged else- 
where, were of incalculable benefit to the Union cause. 

II. 

Recollections of the Fu;ht. 

Surg. Goldsborough, of the 5th Maryland Regt., in his account of the battle 
of Winchester, Va., under Milroy, June 13, 14, and 15, 1863, says: "that after 
severe fighting against great odds for two days, a retreat was ordered and begun 
the i.Slh, about one a. m,, Elliot's leading, followed by Ely's brigade, then 
McReynolds', who had come up the night before from Berryville. The head ot 
the column, Elliot's brigade, having reached Carter's house — about four miles 
out on the Martinsburg pike was met by part of Johnson's division, who imme- 
diately opened fire from liis batteries and infantry. Here Elliot's brigade passed 
and continued on. Ely at once formed his brigade in line and charged the guns, 
which Walker's brigade and Johnson's division were supporting, and who drove 
us back, but only to form for a second charge, which was a bloody one — tiie men 
fighting with desperation, although our line was fast melting away. 

" It was now getting towards daylight, and the ^th Maryland, iStli Conn., and 
a part of the 87th Penn., finding themselves cut off, surrendered; also, an Ohio 
regiment just across from us in the woods. These regiments had been the nu- 
cleus of the battle while the rest were leaving. 

" My recollection of the last I saw of Gen. Milroy was after the last terrible 
charge. He galloped from the field with some others off to the left, with the 
most pained expression on his face I ever saw. After the surrender, we were 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 441 



marched back to Winchester, where I found my Rebel brother the major of the 
2d Maryland, who had lieen apjjointed iJrovost marshal of the town for gallantry 
displayed in the fight. After obtaining a ])ass and parole, I set about collecting 
our wounded from the field, and moving them to the Taylor Hotel in town, used 
by us for a hospital. Among them was a lieutenant of the i8th Conn., whom I 
had seen fall on the afternoon before, shot through the body, and picking him 
up I left hini at the house of Mr, Lewis, where I extracted the bullet. As I was 
sent off to Libby Prison in a few days I never saw him afterwards, and often 
wondered if he ever recovered." 

III. 

.\scii MER Arcoii.N r. 

It is due (jen. Milroy to say that if he, with his little army, numbering less 
than 7,000 men. had not held in check the ad\ aiice of Lee's army at Winchester 
for tliree days, by which the Army of the Totomac gained time, the battle fought 
at Gettysburg would probably have taken place nearer Philadelphia — and, per. 
haps with different results. 



IV. 

I.FTrKK FROM CH.M'LAIN McCaIIF, ()!■ THE I221I OUHi. 

On the evening oi June 12, 1863, I stood, with a com])any of singers in the 
streets of \Vinchester, Virginia, singing a patriotic song to General Milroy, com- 
mander of our division, who was standing at the window of what vvas known as 
the Logan mansion, listening to our song. A scout galloped up and announced 
to the general that the enemy was approaching in great force. Cleneral Milroy 
sent for his cavalry, and went in person to reconnoiter, and struck the advance 
guard of Lee's army a few miles south of Winchester. Considerable skirmish- 
ing ensued, and Milroy withdrew for the night to his defenses. He might have 
retreated then, but he chose to stop and fight, and imiiede Lee's march all he 
could. He succeeded in holding his position during the thirteenth and four- 
teenth of June, and on the morning of the fifteenth, at two o'clock a. m., he 
made an effort to cut his way out to Harper's Ferry. Four miles from Win- 
chester the road was blocked by a large force of the enemy. \ terrible battle 
ensued, which resulted in great loss of our forces in killed, wounded and pris- 
oners. 

The chaplains and surgeons and cajjtured officers, among them Col. Wni. G. 
Ely and Lieut-Col. Nichols, of the iSth Conn., were marched to Libby Prison, 
and confined there for months. It was the most e.xciting time of the war. Tid- 
ings of constant victories for our arms filled our hearts with exultation for many 



.^' 



442 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT 



days. We heard first of Gettysburg, then of Vicksburg and Port Hudson ; and 
patriotic songs, sung by 500 voices, announced to Richmond that the Yankee 
prisoners had heard the glorious news. Milroy has often been blamed for re- 
maining at Winchester so long. But, although his action resulted in disaster to 
his gallant little army, the outcome was a great blessing to the Army of the 
Potomac, for the Winchester fight occasioned three days of delay to General 
Lee in getting his advance into Pennsylvania. 

His plans were disconcerted ; he had to call another council of war, and make 
new plans for his campaign. Meantime the Army of the Potomac reached Penn- 
sylvania and secured the strong position at Gettysburg, the strength of which 
was needed in the mighty conflict which was impending. If it had not been for 
Milroy's defense at Winchester, Lee would have been in Pennsylvania June 73, 
instead of 16, and the Army of the Potomac would have been compelled to fight 
the enemy in an inferior position, and without rest, after a forced march. And 
I verily believe the Union army would have been defeated under such circum- 
stances. Milroy stubbornly refused to retire without a fight, although strongly 
advised to do so by many of his best officers. The authorities at Washington 
supposed he would retire in presence of such overwhelming odds; and he was 
tried before a military court in Washington after the campaign was over for his 
action at Winchester; but when the facts above mentioned were brought out, 
the prosecution was summarily stopped, and a gallant officer restored to the 
army. 

As to our life in Libby Prison, we tried to make it as cheerful as possible. We 
could not be depressed, even with empty larder and scanty wardrobe, in a prison 
reeking with filth and vermin, when the news of so many glorious victories an- 
nounced to us that whatever should become of the inmates of Libby Prison, 
government for the people and by the people was not to perish from the earth. 
Col. Ely was my intimate friend, as were Lieut. -Col. Nichols and Dr. Holbrook. 
They were members of our literary circle, and perhaps Col. Ely will remember 
that his efforts to get me to pronounce the French u were not very successful. 
With such men it was easy to become absorbed in hard study and inspiring con- 
versation until it may be said that in Libby Prison we had a " feast of reason 
and a flow of soul." The songs we sang, and the stories we told, will live in our 
memories forever. 

Yours, faithfully, C. C. McCahc. 



CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS. 441 



V. 

A ],(iiTKkv, ANii Lii'E AS A Pri>(iNi;r. 

While at Liliby Prison, I had a part in the lottery in which Captains 
Sawyer and Flvnn drew tickets for " immediate execution." Tiiey were phinged 
into the dungeon, but never executed, for reasons well known. We were 
in Libby Prison, on the hard floor, barely subsisting on short rations, till May 7, 
1864, when we were sent to Macon, Ga., arriving there July ,:;o. While at Macon, 
firing was lieard, and on the evening of August i Gen. Stoneman and his 
officers were brought in prisoners. I am bareheaded and barefooted, and 
sick beneath a burning sun. .Aug. 1 1, 1864, a squad of 300 officers were start 
ed for Charleston, S. C. Here 1 iiarled from Pieuts. Lindsay and Higgins, 
leaving them at Macon, (.'n arriving at Charleston we were confined in the 
county jail, under fire of Federal guns — the batteries on Morris Island pouring a 
torrent of shells into the city. I'he rations were better here than in Richmond 
or Macon, but the prisoners being extremely filthy, yellow fever broke out, which 
was given as a reason for moving. On Oct. 5, 1S64, we were jammed into box 
■ cars and started for Columbia, S. C, a distance of 137 miles from Charleston, 
arriving there Oct. 6. That night we camped out in a drenching rain, without 
shelter, and many without blankets. The cold tells on men unused to such ex- 
jjosure. I tried to keep awake all night, but exhausted nature could not be 
prevailed on, so I wrapped myself in my wet blanket to lie down on the wet 
ground and sleep in the rain till morning. Oct. 7 we were marched out to cam)) 
— two miles from the city. Here I met Lieut. Lindsay, and others. It seems 
more social than to mess alone, as I did at Charleston. While here I saw a Fed- 
eral prisoner shot down several yards from the dead line, and knew that his 
murderer was rewarded by a furlough. Such was Southern chi\alry at this time. 
The last of October, 1864, I, with others, escaped from Columbia, intending to 
reach Federal lines, but was ajiprehended in Edgefield District, S. C, by one 
Chamberlain, and after a fight with dogs which had been set on our trail, a mus- 
ket was pointed at my head after several blows had been struck, inflicting severe 
bruises, and with loud threats about blowing Yankee brains out the scene closed. 
We were then remanded to prison in Columbia, arriving there Nov. 10, 1864. 
In February, 1865, we were sent to Charleston for exchange. At this timel was 
sick, and feared I should be left behind, but arrived in Annapolis soon after- 
wards, having passed through Federal lines March i, 1S65. 

Capt. H. C. Davis. 



444 EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT, C. V. 

VI. 

SriiKcii uF " IiAiiDV Mii.uuy" A1' Maktinsburg. 

Soldiers of the Eighteenth: 

I am glad to see you once more : I am happy to see you looking so hearty 
and well : happy to welcome you back again beneath the folds of your own stars 
and stri])es, which you so nobly defended at the three days' fight at Winchester. 
Since I last saw you, you have suffered captivity in Rebel prisons. We have 
been separated since then ; but I have come to see you, and to praise you for 
your gallantry. I saw you in the second days' fight as you charged the enemy 
from your rifle-pits and drove them back upon their reserves, holding them in 
check until night ; when you fell back, but with your face to the foe. Again I 
saw you the next morning, facing as hot a fire as I ever witnessed. I looked in 
vain to see you waver. Boys, it was a hot place, — a hot place. I saw you go 
where none but brave men dare to go; saw you make three successful charges, 
preserving your line as well as if on dress-parade. I witnessed it all. I saw 
you as you broke the first line of Rebel infantry, and charged up to their batter- 
ies ; driving away their gunners, still pressing on, and breaking their reserves, 
liut a third line was too strong for you. I knew it was. Only then did you fall 
back, when your lines were broken, and many brave Connecticut men lay bleed- 
ing on the field. But you only fell back to reform, and give them another taste 
of your steel. 1 knew it was madness to order you forward again; it was order- 
ing you to death and annihilation ; for I well knew you would attempt anything 
for your general. I'loys, I watched you with pride as you charged the third time ; 
but when I saw your ranks withering, and your comrades falling, it made my 
heart grow sad within me, and I ordered you to fall back. You know the rest. 
You were surrounded, and there was no escape. But I miss your noble com- 
mander. Col. Ely ; may he soon return to you ! Boys, to your valor I owe my 
safety. You come from a State whose soldiers never disgrace themselves nor 
their flag. I am proud of you, and ever shall be of such soldiers. 

And now accept my wishes for your safe return to your New England homes, 
when our flag shall wave in triumph over our whole country. Good-by. 



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